Nigerian students reject Atiku Abubakar's plan to restore fuel subsidy
The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's proposal to reinstate fuel subsidy if he is elected president in 2027. NANS President Akinteye Babatunde stated that while acknowledging the hardship caused by subsidy removal, returning to the old system without a clear structural framework would recreate past problems. He argued that the removal of fuel subsidy was a necessary economic reform to end an unsustainable system that consumed trillions of naira, disproportionately benefited higher fuel consumers, encouraged smuggling, and limited government investment in critical sectors. NANS believes the focus should be on effectively deploying resources saved from the policy to improve citizens' welfare, rather than reverting to the old system. Akinteye urged political aspirants for 2027 to present sustainable economic policies that address structural weaknesses, rather than offering proposals solely focused on immediate relief. He also called on Atiku Abubakar to reconsider his position, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot afford to return to a system that burdens the government while critical sectors remain underfunded. NANS clarified that its stance is based on Nigeria's long-term economic interests, not partisan support.
