Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to explain the financial implications of the ₦66-per-litre petrol discount offered by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), questioning who will bear the cost and whether the company’s board approved the arrangement.

Atiku’s position was contained in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council. He accused the administration of turning the temporary price reduction into a political publicity exercise while leaving unanswered questions about its impact on NNPC’s finances.

The former vice-president argued that NNPC Ltd operates as a commercial company under the Petroleum Industry Act and should therefore provide clarity on the decision-making process, the revenue it may forgo and how the financial implications will be reflected in its accounts. He demanded to know whether the company’s board approved the discount before it was announced publicly.

Atiku also questioned how widely Nigerians could benefit from the initiative, arguing that the discount’s availability through NNPC Retail outlets limits its reach. He raised concerns about motorists travelling long distances, waiting in queues and dealing with fuel shortages, saying such difficulties could reduce the practical value of the savings.

The criticism comes as NNPC has confirmed that its ₦66-per-litre discount, introduced on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, will continue until October 31, 2026. The company said the initiative applies to its retail stations and does not amount to a return to the former petrol subsidy regime. 

Atiku further argued that a temporary discount would not resolve the wider burden of high petrol prices on transportation, food costs and businesses. He contrasted the initiative with his proposed production-subsidy approach, maintaining that Nigerians need broader and more sustainable relief rather than a measure that expires after a limited period.

The Federal Government has maintained that the arrangement is not a subsidy, while NNPC says the discount is a customer-relief initiative. However, Atiku’s questions about corporate approval, financial accountability and access have added to the debate over whether the temporary measure can provide meaningful relief to motorists across the country.