Lagos APC Faults Opposition's Stand on Fuel Price Palliatives

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its disappointment with opposition parties for rejecting the Federal Government's temporary 30-day petrol price reduction. The party labeled the opposition's response as politically motivated and criticized them for prioritizing "political point-scoring over the welfare of Nigerians struggling with rising transportation and living costs."

Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC spokesman, issued a statement on Friday, commenting on the Federal Government's plan to implement a temporary discount on petrol through Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets, with public transport operators receiving priority. Oladejo argued that a responsible opposition should welcome initiatives designed to alleviate the economic strain on Nigerians, while simultaneously offering constructive suggestions for policy improvement.

He stated, "At a time when Nigerians are grappling with the impact of rising petrol prices on transportation, food prices, household budgets and business operations, one would ordinarily expect a responsible opposition to welcome any credible intervention aimed at easing the burden on citizens, while offering constructive suggestions for improvement. Instead, we are confronted with the familiar spectacle of political opportunism masquerading as economic criticism."

Among those who have rejected the proposed discount, citing it as inadequate and politically motivated, are former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Obidient Movement, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and the presidential campaign organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

On Thursday, the Federal Government had announced that NNPCL would waive its retail profit margin on petrol, enabling the product to be sold at a reduced price. This measure is part of a broader strategy to shield Nigerians from the impact of global crude oil price fluctuations. The Presidency clarified that this arrangement, backed by President Bola Tinubu, does not signify a return to the petrol subsidy regime, which was abolished on May 29, 2023.

Addressing allegations that the discount amounts to a clandestine reintroduction of fuel subsidy, the Lagos APC urged the opposition to scrutinize the policy's structure and financial mechanisms rather than relying on political labels. The party contended that allegations made without a thorough examination of the policy do not constitute serious economic analysis and challenged critics to provide concrete evidence of fiscal irresponsibility or legal irregularities.

While acknowledging that the 30-day discount alone cannot resolve Nigeria's comprehensive cost-of-living challenges, the party encouraged the Federal Government to sustain its efforts. These include stabilizing prices, enhancing domestic refining and distribution, reducing logistics costs, supporting public transportation, expanding access to affordable credit, and strengthening household purchasing power.

Oladejo emphasized the need for transparency in the discount's implementation, ensuring that its benefits reach the intended beneficiaries, and clear communication regarding post-initiative measures. He also challenged the opposition to propose viable alternatives if they deem the current intervention insufficient.

"If the opposition believes the 30-day arrangement is inadequate, let it tell Nigerians precisely what it would do differently, how it would finance its proposal and how quickly its alternative would produce tangible benefits. Nigerians deserve more than slogans, cynical commentary and the perpetual conversion of economic hardship into campaign material," he asserted.

Furthermore, the Lagos APC recognized that concerns about the intervention's sustainability and its aftermath were legitimate. However, it argued these concerns should not be used to dismiss the immediate relief the discount could provide. Oladejo advised the government to clearly communicate its exit strategy, review criteria, and complementary measures to promote price stability.

He concluded, "Temporary interventions have a legitimate place in economic management, particularly when households and businesses are under immediate pressure. Their value should be judged by their design, implementation, affordability and outcomes—not dismissed simply because they have a defined duration." The party implored political actors to avoid exploiting public concerns for partisan advantage as another election cycle approaches, stressing that economic hardship necessitates practical solutions over political theatrics.