Nigerian government and APC challenge Atiku's call for petrol subsidy return

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, responded to Atiku's suggestion, which he made as the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate for 2027. Atiku advocates for a targeted, capped, and transparently budgeted production subsidy, supplying Nigerian refineries with crude at preferential prices to lower petrol costs and encourage domestic refining. He also questioned the government's economic policies, citing tax credits for major petroleum investors while Nigerians face hardship from subsidy removal.

Idris stated that subsidy removal has freed up N15.8 trillion for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025, with N5.43 trillion for the Federal Government, N6.52 trillion for states, and N3.88 trillion for local governments. He emphasized that these funds have supported infrastructure, human capital, and social programs, and reversing the policy would threaten gains in the petroleum sector. Yilwatda called Atiku's position a "deeply troubling policy U-turn," questioning its financing and timing ahead of the 2027 general election.

He urged Nigerians to scrutinize economic programs based on sustainability. House of Representatives member Dr. Wale