The Federal Government's 30-day petrol discount has drawn criticism from opposition figures and labour groups, according to Channels Television. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) are among those faulting the measure, the outlet reports.
Under the arrangement, NNPC filling stations will sell petrol at landing cost, according to Premium Times Nigeria, which attributed the plan to the Presidency. The stated aim is to cushion the effect of global oil price shocks on consumers.
Channels Television reports that Atiku and the NDC faulted the discount. The Guardian Nigeria reports that labour and opposition voices described the relief scheme as inadequate. Sahara Reporters reports that the Talakawa Parliament rejected the 30-day discount outright and called for an immediate return to a subsidy regime.
The objections centre on the scheme's duration and reach rather than its existence. Critics quoted across the outlets argue that a month-long discount does not address the underlying cost of petrol, and the Talakawa Parliament's demand for a return to subsidy marks the sharpest position taken so far.
The Presidency has framed the NNPC landing-cost sales as a buffer against movements in global oil prices, per Premium Times Nigeria. No figure for the expected pump price reduction was given in the reporting summarised here.
With the discount set to run for 30 days, attention now turns to whether the government extends, adjusts or abandons the scheme in response to the backlash.
