KANO, NIGERIA — The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said that a Peter Obi-led government would reintroduce fuel subsidy in a “different form” by investing in refineries and ensuring that Nigerians pay affordable prices for petroleum products.
Kwankwaso made the disclosure on Tuesday during a town hall meeting in Kano, where he addressed supporters and party stakeholders on the NDC’s economic agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the NDC was committed to reducing the burden of fuel costs on Nigerians, but insisted that the approach would be different from the old subsidy regime that was characterised by corruption and inefficiency.
“We are going to reintroduce subsidy, but in a different form. We will invest in our refineries so that we can refine our own crude oil locally and sell at affordable prices to Nigerians. That is the best form of subsidy — investing in production and ensuring that our people benefit from our God-given resources,” Kwankwaso stated.
The former Kano State governor criticised the current administration’s handling of the fuel subsidy removal, describing it as insensitive and poorly implemented. He said the removal had caused untold hardship for Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable, and had failed to deliver the promised benefits.
“They removed subsidy and promised that the savings would be used to develop infrastructure and improve the welfare of Nigerians. But what have we seen? Fuel prices have continued to rise, inflation is out of control, and Nigerians are suffering. The savings have not translated into any tangible benefits for the people,” he said.
Kwankwaso said the NDC would take a different approach by focusing on domestic refining, stabilising the exchange rate, and supporting local production. He noted that Nigeria has abundant crude oil reserves and that there was no reason why the country should continue to import refined petroleum products.
“We have the crude oil, we have the refineries, and we have the manpower. What we need is the political will to make it work. The NDC government will prioritise the rehabilitation of our refineries and the development of our petrochemical industry. We will also support the private sector to invest in refining so that we can achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum products,” he said.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also outlined other elements of the party’s economic agenda, including investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. He said the NDC would create jobs, reduce poverty, and restore the dignity of Nigerians.
“We are not just talking about fuel subsidy; we are talking about a comprehensive economic transformation agenda. We will invest in our people, in our infrastructure, and in our future. We will create an economy that works for everyone, not just for a privileged few,” Kwankwaso stated.
He urged the people of Kano and other parts of the country to support the NDC in the 2027 elections, promising that the party would deliver good governance and improve the lives of Nigerians. He also called on the youth to participate actively in the electoral process and to reject inducements and violence.
The NDC’s position on fuel subsidy has generated debate across the country, with the ruling APC accusing the opposition of planning to return the country to the era of subsidy scams and economic mismanagement. The NDC has, however, insisted that its approach is different and that it would invest in refining rather than continuing with the old subsidy regime.
As the 2027 elections approach, the fuel subsidy debate is likely to remain a central issue, with candidates and parties seeking to win the support of voters on the basis of their economic policies. For Kwankwaso and the NDC, the message is clear: they will reintroduce subsidy in a form that benefits Nigerians and invests in the country’s future.
