TSG to Atiku: Stop politicising 30-day petrol relief

The Tinubu Support Group (TSG) has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to stop politicising the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol relief initiative, saying President Bola Tinubu is seeking to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.

The group said NNPC Limited’s decision to temporarily forgo its petrol retail profit margin was a short-term relief measure, not a return to the fuel subsidy regime abolished in May 2023.

The Director-General of TSG, Dr Umar Yakasai, said in a statement on Friday that the initiative demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the immediate economic difficulties facing households and businesses while sustaining broader reforms.

“President Tinubu understands the pressure that rising petrol prices place on Nigerian households, workers, traders and businesses. The 30-day intervention is one of the measures being explored to cushion the impact of the global oil-price shock on Nigerians,” the statement said.

It said other interventions, including efforts to stabilise petrol landing costs, expand compressed natural gas (CNG) transportation and support vulnerable households, formed part of the government’s response to rising living costs.

The group also called on transport operators to pass on any savings from lower fuel costs to commuters through fares.

Reacting to Atiku’s proposal for a production-based subsidy through preferential crude oil pricing for domestic refineries, the group said the policy could cause significant revenue losses if crude oil were sold below market value.

It added that lower crude prices would not automatically translate into cheaper petrol without measures to ensure the benefits reached consumers.

“Any proposal intended to reduce petrol prices deserves serious consideration, but it must also answer fundamental questions about who bears the cost, how the arrangement will be financed and how Nigerians will benefit,” the group said.

The TSG urged the NNPC and relevant government agencies to ensure transparency in implementing the 30-day initiative, including clear information on participating outlets, applicable prices and measures to monitor its impact.

It said the government should ensure that the intervention delivered tangible relief to Nigerians while maintaining sustainable economic policies.

Abuja doctor reveals a unique way to permanently cure weak erection, small and shameful manhood, and infertility issues without side effects within a short period. Click now to see!!

🩺 Healthcare is now just a click away! Connect with healthcare professionals from anywhere with DesolNetwork Telemedicine. 👉 Register now & learn more: https://desolnetwork.com

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Nation Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline — join now!