Obi slams Tinubu over 30-day petrol discount, questions impact on poverty, insecurity

By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain how the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol price discount will tackle poverty, unemployment, insecurity and widening inequality in Nigeria.

Obi described the initiative as a reactive policy that prioritizes political appearances over sound economic planning, arguing that a temporary reduction in petrol prices cannot provide lasting relief to Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.

In a statement posted on his X platform on Sunday, the former Anambra State Governor questioned whether the discount would significantly improve the economic conditions of millions of Nigerians facing hardship.

He argued that the reduction, which he said amounted to less than five per cent of petrol costs, was inadequate to address the broader economic challenges confronting the country.

“The announcement by the APC-led Federal Government offering a 30-day discount on price of petrol to relieve the acute hardship and hunger caused Nigerians by its unplanned removal of subsidy can only be described as another very reactive and confused approach to governance that is now the culture of the Tinubu Government,” Obi said.

He explained that he had delayed commenting on the policy to allow sufficient time to assess its impact but maintained that the initiative had yet to demonstrate a sustainable strategy for addressing the country’s economic difficulties.

Obi recalled that Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, arguing that the decision was taken without adequate consultation or a comprehensive assessment of its likely consequences for the economy and ordinary Nigerians.

He also criticised the government’s subsequent decision to float the naira and introduce tax reforms, contending that the policies were implemented without proper sequencing and coordination.

According to him, the combined effects of these measures, alongside the government’s handling of multiple budgets, have contributed to inflation and the rising cost of goods and services.

Obi further attributed what he described as increasing multidimensional poverty, business closures, unemployment, insecurity, widening inequality and youth migration to the economic pressures associated with the government’s policies.

He insisted that the government should first assess the consequences of its economic decisions before introducing temporary interventions aimed at easing public hardship.

The NDC presidential candidate called for a comprehensive and publicly accessible regulatory impact assessment of government policies, saying such an exercise would help identify their economic and social consequences and guide necessary adjustments.

He also urged the government to consult stakeholders and ordinary citizens in developing inclusive policies capable of promoting sustainable economic growth, improving living standards and expanding employment opportunities.

Questioning the fundamental objectives of the petrol discount, Obi raised concerns about whether the initiative was designed to stimulate economic activity or merely provide short-term political relief.

“Will it reduce poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and inequality? Will it increase productivity and exports? Is it a test to ascertain if subsidy should be restored? Is it another political gambit in the face of threats of electoral loss in the 2027 election?” he asked.

He concluded his criticism with a blunt assessment of the government’s approach, declaring: “Too many questions, no answer!”

Analysis: Peter Obi’s criticism raises a fundamental question about the Tinubu administration’s economic management: Can a 30-day petrol discount deliver meaningful relief when Nigerians are still grappling with the wider consequences of rising fuel prices?

The controversy goes beyond the immediate cost of petrol. It touches on the effectiveness of government interventions, the sustainability of economic reforms and the growing political significance of household hardship ahead of the 2027 general election.