Nigeria survey shows 67% of respondents demand fuel subsidy return

A new report by SBM Intelligence from the Nigeria 2027 Voter Sentiment Tracker reveals that 67.4% of surveyed Nigerians support the restoration of the petrol subsidy. The survey, which included 1,103 eligible voters across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, shows that petrol has become a major political issue, ranking as the second-most cited national problem at 18.2%.

Regional concerns vary significantly. In the Southwest and South-South, petrol is the primary concern for respondents. However, insecurity is the leading issue in the Southeast (62.6%) and North-Central (47.5%) regions, while debt is the top concern in the Northeast.

The government’s handling of petrol pricing received a performance score of 1.69 out of 4. While the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stated it lacks the legal authority to set pump prices, the survey highlights growing economic pressure as petrol prices reach between ₦1,400 and ₦1,450 per litre in major cities like Lagos and Abuja.