The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised opposition parties for condemning the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount, accusing them of putting political interests above the welfare of Nigerians.
The party’s spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said the initiative was designed to provide immediate relief to Nigerians facing rising transportation and living costs.
In a statement on Friday, Oladejo said the discount, introduced through Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets, gives priority to public transport operators.
He argued that the opposition should acknowledge the potential benefits of the intervention while raising concerns about its implementation and proposing alternatives.
Oladejo, however, acknowledged questions about the sustainability of the initiative, particularly what would happen after the 30-day period.
He urged the Federal Government to explain its exit strategy, review criteria and plans to achieve greater fuel price stability.
The APC spokesman also called for transparency, insisting that the government must ensure the discount reaches its intended beneficiaries and that its impact can be verified.
He said concerns about a possible return to fuel subsidy should be assessed based on the policy’s financing, cost accounting and safeguards against abuse.
According to him, the government has distinguished the arrangement from a blanket subsidy, but its structure should be examined on its merits.
Oladejo maintained that the 30-day discount alone would not resolve Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis. He called for improved domestic refining and fuel distribution, lower logistics costs, support for public transportation and wider access to affordable credit.
He added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration must pursue these measures urgently and demonstrate measurable results.
The APC spokesman also challenged opposition parties to explain how they would address the situation differently, including how their proposed alternatives would be funded and how quickly they would benefit Nigerians.
He urged political actors not to exploit the country’s economic difficulties for partisan gain as another election cycle approaches.
Oladejo said the APC supports the initiative as a temporary relief measure but expects transparent implementation, verifiable benefits and clear communication about what will follow the 30-day period.
