The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, saying the policy contributed to what he described as a “total mess” in Nigeria’s economy.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview with Arise News on Wednesday while discussing fuel pricing, economic conditions and the NDC’s proposed approach to the subsidy question ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Kano State governor faulted the timing and manner of the policy, arguing that the subsidy was removed immediately after Tinubu assumed office without adequate measures to cushion the effects on Nigerians.
“Bola Tinubu decided to remove the subsidy and the consequences we thought would happen certainly happened,” Kwankwaso said.
“He removed it immediately, without looking at all the possible issues. That is how we found ourselves in this total mess economically.”
Tinubu announced the end of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, declaring that “subsidy is gone.” The policy subsequently resulted in a sharp increase in petrol prices, with wider effects on transportation and household costs.
Kwankwaso, however, said the NDC would adopt a different approach to fuel pricing if it forms the Federal Government after the 2027 election.
Asked about the party’s position on the subsidy, he said, “We are bringing subsidy in our own way.”
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He suggested that increased government investment in domestic refining could form part of the proposed approach, arguing that expanding refining capacity could help increase local supply and reduce the price Nigerians pay for petrol.
“Now, if individuals in this country could build refineries, I see no reason why government, under certain circumstances, will not build a refinery or refineries to the extent that we achieve the minimum requirement,” Kwankwaso said.
He described that minimum requirement as ensuring that Nigerians could purchase fuel at filling stations at what he called a reasonable price.
“We, in the NDC, will do whatever it takes, really, to put the price of oil down,” he added.
Kwankwaso’s comments indicate that the NDC is proposing a form of government intervention in the petroleum market, although he did not provide detailed figures on the proposed subsidy arrangement, its financing or the mechanism through which the government would determine the consumer price.
The issue has remained a major point of debate in Nigeria’s economic and political discussions, particularly as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso also noted that the major presidential candidates in the 2023 election had campaigned on plans to remove the subsidy but maintained that Tinubu’s immediate implementation of the policy was problematic.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate’s comments come as the party develops its economic policy proposals ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, with the cost of petrol and the impact of energy prices on households expected to remain part of the political debate.