FCT Residents React As NNPC Petrol Discount Fails To Ease Transport Costs

Motorists and commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed mixed reactions to the Federal Government’s N66-per-litre petrol discount introduced at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets.

According to a report by PUNCH on Thursday, October 22, some residents welcomed the initiative, while others questioned its impact on transportation costs and the financial difficulties faced by Nigerians.

The 30-day intervention, which is scheduled to end on October 31, was introduced to ease the burden of rising fuel costs, with public transport operators expected to receive priority under the arrangement.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, had clarified that the initiative was not a return to petrol subsidy.

The Federal Government is also negotiating a cap of N1,350 per litre on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol to reduce fluctuations in pump prices.

Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently reduced its gantry price of petrol by N25, from N1,350 to N1,325 per litre.

A motorist based in Wuse, Abubakar Saidu, commended the government for introducing the discount but identified challenges with accessing the product through the NNPC application.

Saidu explained that although he successfully purchased petrol at N1,339 per litre after downloading the app and following the required procedures, network problems and long queues had prevented some motorists from benefiting from the offer.

However, some commuters said the intervention had done little to reduce their daily transportation expenses.

Obi Anyawu, a resident of Nyanya, said transport fares remained high despite the discount, adding that many workers continued to struggle to afford their daily journeys.

He noted that transportation costs had continued to rise, leaving commuters without any noticeable relief.

Similarly, Stephanie Okoro, who lives in Karu, said she had yet to experience any positive impact from the initiative.

According to her, commuters were still finding it difficult to secure affordable transportation, with some stranded at bus stops because of high fares.

A motorist from Bwari, Jide Oyetola, called on the government to review the intervention and introduce additional measures to reduce transportation costs.

Oyetola said the rising cost of commuting had become a serious challenge for workers, revealing that his secretary was considering reducing the number of days she reported to work because her salary could no longer cover her transport expenses.

He added that even waiting for cheaper buses had not provided a practical solution, stressing that many other workers were likely experiencing similar difficulties.

Nonye Obanla, a commuter based in Dutse, also urged the government to consider alternative measures to ease the economic pressure on citizens.

The reactions highlight concerns over whether the temporary petrol discount can provide meaningful relief to Nigerians amid persistent transportation expenses and the rising cost of living.