Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Federal Government of giving tax incentives and other benefits to oil companies while Nigerians struggle with high petrol prices and a rising cost of living.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made the allegation in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
He criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy while the government continues to offer tax credits, concessions and other incentives to petroleum investors.
According to Atiku, the policy creates an unfair burden for ordinary Nigerians. He argued that citizens have been forced to absorb the impact of subsidy removal through higher fuel costs and increased prices of essential goods.
“Nigerians were told there was no alternative and that enduring this pain was the necessary price of economic reform,” Atiku said.
“But when major oil investors knock on Tinubu’s door, the sermon changes.”
The former vice-president questioned the government’s economic priorities. He said Nigerians should not bear the full weight of economic reforms while large oil companies receive financial support from the state.
Meanwhile, petrol prices have remained a major concern for households and businesses across Nigeria. Higher transport costs have also pushed up the prices of food and other basic goods.
Atiku’s comments add to growing political criticism of the Federal Government’s economic policies. The government has defended its reforms, arguing that removing the petrol subsidy was necessary to reduce the financial burden on the state and redirect public funds.
However, the debate over petrol prices continues to shape Nigeria’s political conversation.
For Atiku, the key question is whether the government can justify offering incentives to oil investors while asking ordinary Nigerians to endure the consequences of economic reforms.
