In a scathing critique, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of misleading Nigerians about his administration’s stance on fuel subsidies.
Atiku, who was the Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, issued a statement in Abuja, condemning the Tinubu administration for allegedly continuing to pay substantial subsidies on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) despite public claims to the contrary.
During his inauguration on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy, a move he has since promoted as a significant policy achievement.
However, Atiku asserts that the administration has been covertly maintaining the subsidy, with expenditures projected to reach N5.4 trillion in 2024, up from N3.6 trillion in 2023.
He emphasized that this hidden continuation of the subsidy contradicts Tinubu’s public declaration and raises serious questions about the government’s transparency and honesty.
“At his inauguration, President Bola Tinubu proudly declared the end of the fuel subsidy, and this has been a point of pride for his administration,” Atiku stated. “Yet, behind the scenes, the government continues to support the downstream consumption of PMS, effectively maintaining the subsidy without the public’s knowledge.
This lack of transparency is alarming and unacceptable.”
Atiku further criticized the administration for failing to provide clear details about the subsidy policy, its fiscal implications, and the benefits supposedly derived from the reform.
He highlighted the recent resurgence of fuel queues and black market activities across Nigeria as evidence of ongoing issues within the fuel distribution system.
“Since April 2024, we have seen mounting fuel queues at many filling stations and the reemergence of the infamous black market in several states.
These developments suggest that the fuel subsidy is still very much in effect, contrary to the administration’s claims,” Atiku noted. “Nigerians deserve to know how much PMS is being imported, at what cost, and what the implicit subsidy amounts to. The government’s opaqueness on this matter is deeply troubling.”
Atiku also referenced media reports revealing the continuation of government support for downstream consumption, which further undermines the administration’s claim of abolishing the subsidy.
He called out the government for what he described as a “cocktail of trial-and-error economic policies” that have characterized Tinubu’s tenure thus far.
“Reports indicate that expenditure on fuel subsidies may reach N5.4 trillion in 2024, compared to the N3.6 trillion spent in 2023—the same year Tinubu claimed to have ended the subsidy.
This is not just about policy failure; it is about a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians,” Atiku argued. “We need clarity and honesty from our leaders.
The current approach of paying subsidies and lying about it is unacceptable and shows a lack of respect for the Nigerian people.”
In his concluding remarks, Atiku reiterated his call for greater transparency and accountability from the Tinubu administration. He urged the government to come clean about its fuel subsidy policy and to implement more consistent and transparent economic strategies for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria deserves better than this deception. Our citizens deserve honest leadership that prioritizes their well-being over political posturing,” Atiku asserted. “It is time for the government to be truthful and transparent about its economic policies and fiscal commitments.”
The former Vice President’s statement underscores the growing discontent with the current administration’s handling of economic issues and calls for a more open and accountable governance approach.
