I will make life affordable again, Atiku promises Nigerians

Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has criticized the handling of petrol subsidy removal by President Tinubu's government. He expressed deep sympathy for Nigerians who are struggling under the burden of increasing transport, food, and energy costs. Atiku pledged to prioritize affordable life if elected, stating, "I will make life affordable again."

Atiku took issue with the President's defense of the fuel subsidy removal and his description of subsidies as "addictive". He also challenged Tinubu's claim that salaries and pensions had been paid "on time and in full", citing reports of delays experienced by federal workers and ongoing protests from pensioners over unpaid entitlements.

The controversy over petrol pricing has been a central issue in Nigeria's economic debate since the government announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023. This decision led to a sharp increase in pump prices and transportation costs. While the government defended the reform as necessary to reduce the fiscal burden of subsidising petrol and redirect public resources, Atiku argued that the government should take more direct steps to alleviate the burden on households.

Atiku proposed targeting support for locally refined petrol rather than implementing a blanket subsidy. He suggested that government funding should be tied to fuel refined in Nigeria and subject to auditing to ensure that the benefits lower pump prices. This approach would create jobs in Nigeria and ease costs for Nigerians. Atiku also expressed sympathy for Nigerians who are struggling to cope with higher transportation, food, and household costs, promising a change in economic policy if elected.