Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, arguing that the manner in which the policy was implemented contributed to Nigeria’s economic difficulties.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview with Arise Television, where he described the immediate removal of the subsidy as a mistake because, according to him, adequate measures were not introduced to cushion its impact on Nigerians.
The former Kano State governor said the consequences of the policy were foreseeable and accused the administration of implementing the reform without sufficiently considering its effects on households and businesses.
“Bola Tinubu decided to remove the subsidy and the consequences we thought would happen certainly happened,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that the policy was implemented too quickly, arguing that the failure to address potential consequences contributed to what he described as a “total mess economically.”
Kwankwaso also said Nigerians should have access to more affordable petrol. He disclosed that an NDC administration would consider reintroducing a form of fuel subsidy, although he stressed that it would be structured differently from the previous arrangement.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate said the party would explore measures including increased domestic refining capacity and other interventions aimed at reducing petrol prices. However, he did not provide detailed figures on the proposed subsidy mechanism or how it would be financed.
The comments come as economic management and the cost of living become major issues in preparations for the 2027 general election. Fuel prices have broad effects on transportation, food distribution, household expenses and business operating costs.
Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his May 2023 inauguration, describing the previous system as financially unsustainable. The policy has since remained one of the most debated aspects of his administration’s economic reforms.
Kwankwaso’s latest remarks place the subsidy question at the centre of the NDC’s economic message ahead of 2027, while the wider debate continues over how Nigeria can balance fiscal sustainability with affordable living costs.
