Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have questioned the likely impact of the Federal Government’s proposed 30-day petrol price arrangement, arguing that it may not provide lasting relief from the economic pressures facing Nigerians.

The initiative was announced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, who said petrol would be sold at cost at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) outlets for an initial 30 days, with public transport operators receiving priority.

Channels Television reported that Atiku questioned the benefits consumers would derive from the arrangement, particularly whether any reduction in fuel costs would lead to lower transport fares and ease the rising cost of food. He also sought clarification on the savings per litre under the proposed plan.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku advocated a longer-term approach involving budgeted support for petrol refined locally. He said such an intervention should include safeguards to ensure consumers benefit while domestic refining receives support.

The NDC, in a separate statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disputed the government’s explanation that the initiative did not amount to a fuel subsidy. The party argued that the measure would not adequately address the economic pressures Nigerians face following the removal of the previous subsidy.

It also questioned whether participating NNPC outlets could serve enough people across the country, warning that the arrangement could cause congestion at filling stations. The party described the offer as “tokenism and deceit” and called on Nigerians to support Peter Obi and other candidates contesting under its platform.