Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said the government must act to protect ordinary Nigerians from the rising cost of living, noting that families are struggling with high transport and food costs.
Speaking on Friday through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address did not adequately reflect the daily economic realities of citizens, as fuel and basic necessities remain unaffordable.
He said Germany has cut gasoline and diesel taxes by €0.17 per litre from October through December at an estimated cost of €2.5 billion, with prices at pump beginning to fall.
Atiku said rising petrol costs trigger rise in transport, food and essentials, with impact felt from filling station to market and homes.
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“Germany understands that when fuel prices put families under pressure, government must act. Nigerians deserve same compassion and urgency,” he said.
Atiku proposed targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, with strict auditing and guarantee that the benefit lowers pump prices.
“Our plan is to restore targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, with strict auditing and a guarantee that the benefit lowers pump prices. Support will follow barrel refined here, creating jobs here and easing costs for Nigerians. It will be funded by cutting waste, protected against diversion and price manipulation, and will not apply to imported fuel,” he said.
He said lower fuel costs can mean cheaper bus rides, more affordable goods at market and more money left in families’ pockets, adding that Nigeria’s wealth should ease burden on its people.
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