Atiku Reiterates Call for Measures to Cushion Fuel Subsidy Removal

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has again raised concerns over the impact of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians, stressing the need for stronger measures to cushion families and businesses from the rising cost of living.

Atiku, who had previously criticised the manner in which the subsidy was removed and called for adequate protection for Nigerians, renewed the position in a fresh address on fuel prices, palliatives and the cost of living.

He said Nigerians had continued to bear the consequences of the policy since May 29, 2023, without adequate protection for families, workers, farmers and businesses during the transition.

“For more than three years, that burden has travelled from the petrol station to the bus stop, from the bus stop to the market, and from the market to the family dining table,” Atiku said.

The former vice president said the impact of higher petrol prices had spread across the economy, with increased transportation costs feeding into the prices of food and other essential commodities.

“When petrol becomes expensive, transportation becomes expensive. When transportation becomes expensive, food becomes expensive,” he said.

According to him, farmers now spend more to move their produce, traders face higher costs in stocking their shops, while workers spend more on transportation to and from their workplaces.

He also noted that businesses were being confronted with higher logistics and energy costs, with the burden ultimately transferred to households.

“In the end, the Nigerian family receives the bill,” Atiku said.

He stressed that the consequences of rising energy costs should not be treated merely as an economic argument, but as an issue directly affecting the daily lives of millions of Nigerians.

“When government makes energy expensive, it makes life expensive,” he said.

Atiku's latest intervention therefore reinforces his earlier position that Nigerians require effective measures to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal, particularly as rising fuel and transportation costs continue to affect household incomes, food prices and business operations.

“These are the real tests,” he said, pointing to the need to assess government policies by their impact on the everyday lives of Nigerians.