Atiku Urges Tinubu to Cut Fuel Prices Amid Hardship

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently reduce petrol prices to alleviate economic hardship for Nigerians. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Atiku criticized the removal of petrol subsidy since May 29, 2023, for increasing transportation, food, and production costs across the country. Atiku argued that the subsidy removal had triggered a chain reaction, making life more expensive for families, workers, farmers, and businesses. He said farmers now spend more to transport produce, traders face higher restocking costs, and workers incur greater commuting expenses. "When petrol becomes expensive, transportation becomes expensive. When transportation becomes expensive, food becomes expensive," he stated. The former vice president offered to provide a framework for reducing fuel prices, which the Tinubu administration could adopt and take credit for. "If you need the framework, I will provide it. Implement it under your government. Give it whatever name you choose. Take the credit," Atiku said, emphasizing that his priority is for Nigerians to pay less.