Tinubu Admits Petrol Subsidy Removal Caused Hardship, Announces Fresh Relief Measures

President Bola Tinubu has admitted that the removal of petrol subsidy has created difficulties for many Nigerian families, insisting that his administration is taking steps to make transportation more affordable and reduce the impact of rising fuel prices.

According to a report by Tribune Online, Tinubu disclosed this in a statement shared on his verified X account on Sunday, where he highlighted government initiatives aimed at easing transportation costs across the country.

The President explained that ending the petrol subsidy required the government to provide alternative solutions for citizens facing higher transportation expenses; He said the administration was working with state governments and private sector investors to expand access to affordable transport services.

Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government was partnering with state governments through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to implement the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme.

Under the initiative, Ekiti State had recently received 15 buses, while Lagos received 20. Akwa Ibom, he said, had 50 buses prepared for service.

He further revealed that Katsina State had introduced 30 compressed natural gas (CNG) hybrid buses alongside 200 electric tricycles; Kano had also received 30 CNG buses and five electric buses, with another deployment planned for Edo State.

According to the President, Kaduna State had recorded significant use of its 100 CNG buses, which had collectively transported more than three million passengers.

He added that the government was expanding the use of alternative fuels, noting that over 120,000 vehicles had been converted to CNG at more than 400 certified centres.

Tinubu said additional refuelling facilities were being developed to improve access to CNG and encourage more motorists to adopt the alternative fuel as a way of reducing transportation costs.

On measures to address the rising cost of petrol, the President stated that the government had waived more than ₦3.3 trillion in fuel-related taxes and duties to reduce the pressure on households and businesses.

He also disclosed that NNPC Retail would temporarily forgo its profit margin for 30 days, with public transport operators given priority under the arrangement.

Tinubu said the government was working towards a wholesale petrol supply cost ceiling of ₦1,350 per litre, explaining that the move was intended to reduce price volatility in the market.

The President maintained that these interventions would provide short-term relief while the government continued to develop transportation alternatives that could serve more Nigerians.

He said the administration had to balance the need to ease present economic difficulties with its responsibility to protect the interests of future generations.

Tinubu also called on politicians seeking elective offices to provide clear explanations of how they intended to fund their campaign promises and sustain their proposed policies.

He warned that political commitments without credible financing arrangements could leave future generations to bear the consequences.

The President said messages from some beneficiaries, including Blessing, Ada, Abigail and Kabir, had encouraged the government to continue its efforts; However, he noted that Emmanuel’s request for wider access to the programme showed that more communities still needed affordable transportation services.

Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration would continue collaborating with state governments to extend the initiatives and make affordable transportation accessible to more Nigerians.

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