Contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration in May 2023 that the fuel subsidy regime had ended, the Federal Government continues to make provisions for subsidy payments, according to Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Atiku criticized the current administration for allegedly continuing to pay fuel subsidies without public knowledge, accusing President Tinubu of deceiving Nigerians. “Expenditure on fuel subsidy may reach N5.4 trillion in 2024, compared to N3.6 trillion spent in 2023, the same year Tinubu claimed to have abolished the fuel subsidy,” Atiku said.

He further asserted that Nigeria’s economic policies over the past year have been characterized by trial and error, emphasizing that “paying subsidies and lying about it is nothing to brag about. Nigerians deserve better than this deception.”

During his inauguration on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel, a point he and his administration have frequently reiterated. Atiku, however, urged the government to clarify its actual stance on the subsidy policy.

“If the subsidy regime had been opaque, what can be said about a situation where subsidies are still being paid covertly?” Atiku asked. “Like millions of Nigerians, I was shocked to learn through media reports that the government is still supporting downstream consumption.”