Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to introduce a 30-day petrol discount through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), describing the move as a return of fuel subsidy and accusing officials of hypocrisy.
Oseni made the remarks on Friday during The Morning Show, following the government’s announcement that NNPC Retail would temporarily forgo its petrol profit margin and sell fuel at cost to cushion Nigerians against rising prices.
“Subsidy is back. Welcome back, subsidy. The fact that the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, says it’s not a subsidy does not mean it’s not a subsidy,” Oseni said.
He argued that the government’s decision to offer temporary relief contradicted its earlier position that fuel subsidy should not return. He also questioned why the intervention would last only 30 days, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.
The broadcaster credited former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar with bringing the subsidy debate back into public discussion. He referenced Atiku’s September 18 remarks that the government could introduce relief measures under a different name if they helped reduce the financial burden on Nigerians.
The controversy follows the government’s announcement on October 8 that NNPC would offer the discount, prioritising public transport operators. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele insisted the arrangement was not a return to subsidy but a decision to sell petrol at cost.
The Presidency has similarly maintained that the measure does not reverse the subsidy-removal policy introduced in May 2023. It said NNPC Retail would forgo its profit margin temporarily to help vulnerable households cope with global oil-price volatility.
Oseni’s comments have added to a wider debate about whether the policy represents a practical short-term intervention or a subsidy under another description. The issue is significant because petrol prices affect transport fares, food distribution and business operating costs nationwide.
Fuel subsidy remains a major economic and political issue ahead of the 2027 elections, with Nigerians awaiting details on how much consumers will save and what measures will follow the initial 30-day period.
