Labour, Opposition Reject FG’s 30-Day Petrol Discount, Demand Lasting Relief

By George Omagbemi

Labour leaders, opposition groups and economic stakeholders have criticised the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount scheme, arguing that the temporary intervention may do little to ease the cost-of-living crisis facing millions of Nigerians.

The initiative, announced by Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele on Thursday, provides for discounted petrol sales at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) stations, with priority given to public transport operators. The government says NNPC Retail will forgo its petrol retail profit margin and sell fuel at cost during the initial 30-day period.

However, stakeholders questioned the measure’s reach, duration and transparency, particularly because NNPC outlets account for only a small proportion of filling stations nationwide.

The Guardian reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) called for petrol prices to fall below ₦1,000 per litre, with Assistant General Secretary Chris Onyeka describing the proposed ₦1,350 benchmark as inadequate for workers and ordinary Nigerians.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also rejected the intervention, arguing that a temporary discount would not provide lasting relief from high transport fares, food prices and business costs. The Obidient Movement and the Nigeria Democratic Congress similarly criticised the scheme.

Petroleum economist Professor Wumi Iledare said the policy’s success would depend on whether lower fuel costs for transport operators translated into reduced fares for passengers. He urged the government to disclose the discount per litre, the volume covered and the programme’s total fiscal exposure.

The government maintains that the arrangement is not a return to the former blanket fuel subsidy regime. It is also pursuing measures to stabilise petrol costs and improve domestic crude supply arrangements.

The central question remains whether the temporary intervention will produce measurable savings for households or leave Nigerians facing substantially the same costs when the 30-day period ends.