Nigeria: Peter Obi criticizes temporary fuel discount policy

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount, labeling it a “reactive and confused approach to governance.” Obi argued that the temporary measure, introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, serves as a substitution of political optics for sound economic policy and will fail to address systemic issues such as poverty and unemployment.

Obi further criticized the initial removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, stating it was done without adequate consultation or assessment of the resulting economic impact on ordinary Nigerians. He also noted that subsequent reforms, including the floating of the naira and various tax reforms, have been implemented in a disorganized manner, compounding the financial hardships faced by the population.