Fuel Prices: ‘We’re Waiting for Atiku’s Plan’ — TUC Speaks on Subsidy Debate

According to a report by DAILY POST on Friday 23 October 2026, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other politicians advocating lower petrol prices to explain how they intend to implement their proposals without undermining government revenue and workers’ welfare.

The TUC President, Festus Osifo, said politicians must provide comprehensive details of their plans to reduce fuel costs through the supply of crude oil to domestic refineries at lower prices.

Osifo made the statement during an interview on a national television programme, stressing that Nigerians deserve to understand the financial implications of the proposed measures.

He expressed concerns about suggestions that crude oil should be sold to local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, at prices close to production costs.

According to him, such an arrangement could affect Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and reduce the revenue available to the Federation Account, thereby creating difficulties for governments in meeting their financial obligations.

The labour leader questioned how the government would sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and finance critical sectors such as healthcare, security, infrastructure and other public services if crude oil were supplied to refineries at significantly reduced prices.

Osifo recalled that during the period when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) shouldered fuel subsidy costs, remittances to the Federation Account fell, leaving some state governments facing difficulties in paying workers’ salaries.

He insisted that political leaders must move beyond campaign promises and present realistic financial projections showing how their proposed policies would be funded.

The TUC president also addressed promises by some politicians to increase the minimum wage to N500,000 or N1 million, saying organised labour would welcome measures capable of improving workers’ living standards.

However, he maintained that those making such promises must demonstrate how the proposed wages could be sustained financially.

Osifo warned that the union would oppose any policy that reduces petrol prices at the expense of workers’ salaries, quality healthcare, good roads and other essential services.

He specifically expressed interest in examining Atiku’s proposed solution to the fuel price challenge, insisting that the former vice president should provide details of how his plan would work.

“We are waiting for the holistic plan that Atiku has in order to address this issue,” Osifo said.

The TUC’s position adds to the ongoing debate over fuel prices, domestic refining and the economic consequences of policies aimed at making petrol more affordable for Nigerians.