The Nigeria Democratic Congress has described the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount through NNPC retail outlets as tokenism.
The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the policy is an attempt to deceive Nigerians and a veiled return to subsidy.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, had announced that government would sell petrol at cost for 30 days at NNPC stations, prioritising public transport operators, stressing it was not subsidy.
But the NDC faulted the explanation, insisting the arrangement amounts to indirect reintroduction of subsidy after its removal.
The party said subsidy was removed without adequate consultation and without enough cushioning measures, with attendant hardship on businesses, jobs and healthcare access.
It also questioned logistics, asking if designated NNPC outlets are enough to serve the population, warning that the plan could trigger long queues, congestion and safety risks.
The NDC said the move exposes the economic strain under the All Progressives Congress administration and urged Nigerians to look towards Peter Obi and its candidates in 2027.
“Hope is on the way,” the party said.
