Nigerian Presidency and Atiku clash over proposed refinery subsidy

A public dispute has erupted between Nigeria's Presidency and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over a proposed fuel subsidy policy, with the government arguing a similar plan failed in the past. The conflict centers on Atiku's proposal for a "production subsidy" to support domestic refineries, which he says would lower fuel costs by reducing the expense of refining crude oil within Nigeria. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, outlined the plan in posts on his X platform. He argued the policy is fundamentally different from the previous import subsidy, as it would support local production rather than foreign imports. Using an analogy, Atiku said the government could either subsidize imported shoes or support local shoemakers in Aba to reduce their costs and create jobs. "I choose the Aba shoemaker," he stated, adding that cheaper locally refined fuel would lower transportation costs, food prices, and operating expenses for small businesses. The Presidency swiftly challenged the proposal.