NDC planning new approach to fuel subsidy, says Kwankwaso
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), says the party is planning a new approach to fuel subsidy if elected in 2027.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview with Arise News, saying the party would adopt measures to reduce fuel prices, including expanding domestic refining capacity.
He said the government could build additional refineries where necessary, arguing that the goal would be to ensure Nigerians can buy fuel at reasonable prices.
“We are bringing subsidy in our own way. There are many ways. I can tell you now, we have a refinery built by a businessman, and I’m sure more refineries would be built,” Kwankwaso said.
He criticised President Bola Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy immediately after assuming office, saying the decision contributed to the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.
Kwankwaso said the three major presidential candidates in the 2023 election had promised to remove the subsidy but argued that Tinubu’s immediate implementation of the policy created additional economic difficulties.
He also criticised Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing him of making promises on fuel subsidy removal for political reasons without explaining how the policy would be implemented.
Kwankwaso said the NDC, if elected, would pursue measures aimed at reducing fuel prices, adding that its approach would include increased domestic refining and other interventions to make petroleum products more affordable.
