RismadarVoice Reporters
October 9, 2026
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised opposition parties over their rejection of the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day petrol price discount, accusing them of politicising an intervention intended to ease the financial burden on Nigerians.
The party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, criticised in a statement on Friday, arguing that opposition figures should assess the proposed initiative and offer practical alternatives rather than dismiss it.
The Federal Government had announced plans for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to temporarily forgo its retail profit margin for 30 days to reduce petrol prices amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices.
The Presidency maintains that the arrangement, supported by President Bola Tinubu, is a temporary intervention and does not amount to the restoration of the petrol subsidy removed in May 2023.
However, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Obidient Movement, the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the presidential campaign organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have reportedly criticised the proposal, questioning its adequacy, sustainability and political implications.
Responding to the objections, Oladejo argued that Nigerians were experiencing significant financial pressure from rising transportation costs, food prices and other household expenses.
He maintained that measures intended to provide temporary relief should be examined on their merits, regardless of political differences.
The Lagos APC also challenged claims that the discount amounted to a disguised subsidy, urging critics to establish how the arrangement would be financed before concluding its fiscal implications.
According to the party, allegations of financial irresponsibility or violations of existing laws should be supported by evidence.
Nevertheless, the APC acknowledged that a 30-day petrol discount would not independently resolve the country’s broader economic challenges.
It called for complementary measures to improve domestic refining capacity, strengthen petroleum distribution, reduce transportation and logistics costs, and support public transportation.
The party also identified access to affordable credit and improvements in household purchasing power as areas requiring sustained government attention.
Oladejo stressed that transparency would be essential to the success of the initiative, particularly in determining whether reductions in retail margins would translate into lower pump prices for consumers.
He urged the Federal Government to explain the implementation framework, identify mechanisms for monitoring compliance and communicate its plans for the period following the expiration of the discount.
The Lagos APC further acknowledged that questions surrounding the financial sustainability of the intervention and its long-term implications were legitimate matters for public discussion.
It called on the administration to establish clear criteria for assessing the programme’s effectiveness and outline additional measures to maintain price stability.
The party also challenged opposition groups to present alternative proposals, including their funding arrangements, implementation timelines and expected benefits to consumers.
Oladejo maintained that temporary economic interventions could provide relief during periods of financial pressure but should be assessed according to their affordability, transparency and measurable outcomes.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to the government’s approach to managing petrol prices and the wider cost-of-living challenges facing Nigerians.
While the APC argues that the proposed discount could provide short-term relief, opposition figures have questioned whether the intervention offers a sustainable response to rising living costs.
The practical impact of the proposed arrangement will depend on its implementation, the extent of any reduction in pump prices and whether consumers receive the intended benefits.
