In a recent statement, Atiku Abubakar, a presidential candidate from the African Democratic Congress, criticized President Bola Tinubu for the high cost of living in Nigeria, particularly the price of petrol. Atiku pointed out that while Nigeria produces a lot of oil, petrol prices are significantly higher than in other oil-producing countries like Libya, Angola, and Algeria. He highlighted that many Nigerians, especially those earning the minimum wage, spend a large portion of their income—up to 80%—just to buy petrol. Atiku questioned how the government is using the money saved from removing petrol subsidies, which amounts to about N15.8 trillion, and demanded more transparency regarding import duty exemptions worth N34 trillion. He argued that expensive petrol drives up the costs of transportation and food, making life harder for ordinary people. He proposed a plan to reduce fuel costs to help lower overall living expenses, allowing families to afford essentials like food, rent, and education without going into debt. Atiku also expressed concern that recent government promises of relief seem timed with upcoming elections, suggesting that these may not lead to real economic recovery. Overall, Atiku emphasized the need for clear answers from the government about how it is handling the country's finances and improving the lives of its citizens.
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