PRESS STATEMENT

30-Day NNPC Petrol Discount: Tinubu Demonstrates Responsive Leadership Amid Global Energy Crisis

Abuja, October 9, 2026

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s decision to introduce a 30-day petrol discount at NNPC stations, with priority given to public transporters nationwide.

We consider the intervention timely, compassionate and responsible, particularly at a time when global energy prices are nearing crises proportion, placing additional pressure on households, businesses and transport operators.

This intervention is a hearkening to well meaning appeals, not a return to the petrol subsidy regime. As explained by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, the measure is a temporary arrangement adroitly fashioned to provide immediate relief by allowing petrol to be sold at cost through NNPC stations.

The distinction must therefore be made clearly: President Tinubu rather than reversing the fuel subsidy reform, is responding pragmatically to an extraordinary global energy squeeze.

The current pressure on fuel prices is a global phenomenon, occasioned in part by the conflict involving Iran and the United States and disruptions in global energy markets. Countries including Germany and other major economies have introduced temporary measures to cushion citizens from the impact of the crisis.

The United States has introduced temporary tax relief measures for certain diesel users, while Germany has reduced petrol and diesel taxes by approximately €0.17 per litre from October through December 2026. The United Kingdom has extended its five-pence-per-litre fuel duty cut through December 2026, while Canada has extended the temporary suspension of its federal fuel excise tax until January 31, 2027. France has also expanded targeted support for workers and sectors affected by rising fuel costs, alongside measures to release diesel from strategic reserves. These examples demonstrate that governments across the world are adopting temporary interventions to cushion the impact of the energy crisis.

Nigeria cannot be isolated from these global realities.

The Group therefore rejects attempts to dress the President’s intervention in the toga of politically motivated attempt to restore subsidy ahead of the 2027 elections. There is a fundamental difference between a temporary relief measure and a permanent return to an expensive, discreeited and unsustainable subsidy regime.

While former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken of restoring fuel subsidy, President Tinubu has demonstrated that relief for Nigerians and fiscal responsibility can coexist.

The removal of subsidy was a difficult but necessary decision to address structural weaknesses damaging Nigeria’s economy. That long-term direction remains important. At the same time, government must be responsive when extraordinary circumstances foist additional burdens on citizens.

That is what this 30-day intervention represents.

We also acknowledge the administration’s broader reform efforts, including measures aimed at improving revenue, workers’ welfare, pension payments, social intervention and infrastructure development. These efforts should be assessed as part of the administration’s wider attempt to rebuild an economy capable of withstanding external shocks while sustaining the confidence of the global financial community.

President Tinubu has shown that economic reform can be given a human face and does not require government to become insensitive to the immediate difficulties and burdens faced by Nigerians.

Reform and compassion can coexist when intelligently fashioned. Fiscal responsibility and targeted relief can coexist when left in the hands of capable people.

We therefore commend the President for this timely intervention and urge Nigerians, particularly commercial transport operators, to reciprocate the gesture and ensure that the benefit of the discount translates into genuine relief for commuters.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group remains committed to supporting policies that protect Nigerians today while building a stronger, more productive and economically resilient independent Nigeria for tomorrow.

We pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to receive continued wisdom, strength and courage as he leads the country through this period of global economic uncertainty.

Nigeria will emerge stronger.

Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi

Convenor

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group

October 8, 2026