{
  "id": 2470415,
  "title": "Subsidy: Your reforms worsening hardship, Atiku lashes at Tinubu",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/subsidy-your-reforms-worsening-hardship-atiku-lashes-at-tinubu",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T01:48:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/subsidy-your-reforms-worsening-hardship-atiku-lashes-at-tinubu/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu's approach to the petroleum sector, accusing the administration of worsening the cost-of-living crisis despite increased government revenues. Atiku stated that the removal of petrol subsidy and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market have led to a rise in inflation, transport costs, and household expenses. He argued that the administration's policies have demonstrated a \"serious ignorance on governance and economy\" and rejected the idea that suffering is an economic policy. Instead, Atiku proposed a targeted, temporary production-support mechanism to increase domestic refining and protect consumers from excessive price shocks. He accused Tinubu's administration of applying a rigid approach to subsidy removal without considering the severe economic consequences. Atiku also questioned the continuation of petroleum under-recoveries and energy-security costs, totaling approximately ₦17.5tn, and challenged the government to explain the financial obligations associated with the petroleum sector.",
  "summary": "Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal, stating reforms worsen hardship despite increased revenues. He proposes a targeted produ Read More: https://punchng.com/subsidy-your-reforms-worsening-hardship-atiku-lashes-at-tinubu/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Atiku’s fuel subsidy pledge sparks debate",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/atikus-fuel-subsidy-pledge-sparks-debate",
        "published": "2026-08-21T04:07:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Morning recap: States get N435bn for security, Atiku’s subsidy push opposed, other top stories",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/morning-recap-states-get-n435bn-for-security-atikus-subsidy-push",
        "published": "2026-08-21T06:16:48.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Atiku not proposing return to old fuel subsidy racket – Aide",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/atiku-not-proposing-return-to-old-fuel-subsidy-racket-aide",
        "published": "2026-08-21T06:45:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}