Former Vice President and PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar criticized Bola Tinubu’s administration for secretly reinstating fuel subsidies after claiming to abolish them.

Shock Over Subsidy Revelation

Atiku’s comments followed the government’s plan to spend N5.4 trillion on fuel subsidies in 2024, up from N3.6 trillion in 2023. In a social media statement, Atiku expressed shock and disappointment at the government’s deceit.

Demand for Transparency

Atiku said Nigerians deserve better than deceptive policies and lies about subsidies. He urged the government to clarify subsidy details, fiscal commitments, and benefits, and be transparent about their impact on Federation Accounts.

Questions on Subsidy Policy

He noted that President Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, which had been a point of pride for his administration. Atiku highlighted his previous call for the government to clarify the subsidy policy and its impact on the economy.

Fuel Queues and Black Market

Since April 2024, fuel queues and black markets have reappeared, raising questions about the cost and distribution of PMS. Atiku questioned the transparency of the subsidy regime and its continued payments without public knowledge.

The former Vice President’s statement responded to the government’s admission that fuel subsidy spending is projected to reach N5.4 trillion by the end of 2024, despite earlier claims of abolishing it.