Rufai Oseni has declared that fuel subsidy is back in Nigeria. The journalist also urged Nigerians to thank former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He said Atiku helped bring the need for petrol price relief into public debate.
Speaking on ARISE Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, Oseni criticised the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount. The discount applies at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) filling stations. He argued that the move amounts to a fuel subsidy, despite Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele denying it.
“Subsidy is back. Welcome back, subsidy. The fact that the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, says it’s not a subsidy does not mean it’s not a subsidy.
“Read my lips. It is a subsidy, and it is back. Who do we have to thank? Atiku Abubakar. I never knew there would be a day I would thank you, Atiku Abubakar.
“If not for you, this government wouldn’t have thought of any reprieve for anybody. If not for you, who brought the subsidy issue to the front burner, the government wouldn’t have thought of anything to cushion the effects of rising petrol prices, which have exceeded $100 per barrel since March 8.”
Oseni also recalled Atiku’s September 18 speech on easing Nigerians’ economic hardship. According to Oseni, Atiku said,
“President Bola Tinubu can even rename it and take the glory, as long as the pain is less on the people.”
The journalist accused the government of hypocrisy over its sudden decision. He questioned why officials rejected subsidies for months but introduced a 30-day discount ahead of the 2027 elections.
“But today, Atiku Abubakar, take your flowers. On September 18, Atiku gave a speech, and I will quote that speech. He said, ‘President Bola Tinubu can even rename it and take the glory, as long as the pain is less on the people.’
“So, it is possible. You see, hypocrisy is so much in this country. Government officials spent all these months defending their position and saying, ‘No, subsidy should not come back. It is an aberration.
“If we do this, if we do that, it’s an aberration.’ But when it’s one month to the election, they quickly bring it back for 30 days.
“But, as people have asked, after 30 days, when they have switched people off and held the election, will we see the outcome and then they will take it back?”
Oseni further questioned who would bear the cost of the discount. He argued that reduced profits could affect business investment, challenging claims that the measure was not a subsidy.
