Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the rising cost of living in Nigeria, saying many families are struggling to afford food and other basic necessities.
Atiku made the remarks in a recent statement criticising the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He argued that increases in the prices of petrol, food, transportation and other essentials have placed additional pressure on household budgets.
According to Atiku, Nigerians need practical relief from the cost-of-living crisis rather than appeals for patience. He said, “Nigerians have now seen what Tinubu’s economics means in their daily lives: higher fuel prices, higher food prices, higher transport costs, weaker businesses and emptier pockets.”
The former vice president also criticised the removal of fuel subsidies and argued that the government should support domestic production and refining to reduce costs. He said his proposed production subsidy would be designed to increase local supply and ease pressure on consumers.
Atiku’s latest comments come amid wider opposition criticism of the administration’s economic reforms. The ADC recently cited petrol prices of up to N1,470 per litre and argued that higher fuel costs were affecting transportation, food, electricity and education expenses. Those statements represent the party’s assessment of the economic situation.
The issue is significant because food affordability remains closely connected to transportation and energy costs, which influence production, distribution and retail prices across the country.
Atiku has repeatedly called for economic policies that prioritise household purchasing power, job creation and lower costs. In September, he also expressed concern over reports of young Nigerians allegedly considering extreme measures, including organ sales, because of financial hardship. The claims about organ sales have not been independently established in individual cases.
The Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, including fuel-subsidy removal, remain central to Nigeria’s ongoing debate over inflation, food prices, government revenue and household welfare.
