Rising petrol prices put Nigeria’s subsidy debate at the heart of 2027 campaign
Petrol prices approaching ₦1,500 a litre have revived subsidy politics in Nigeria, despite the government’s pledge that the policy ended in 2023. Opposition figures propose different ways to lower consumer costs, while President Bola Tinubu faces renewed pressure to demonstrate the benefits of his economic reforms.
Nigeria’s rising fuel prices are pushing subsidy policy back into the centre of the 2027 presidential contest, with petrol selling for about ₦1,400 a litre in Lagos and Abuja and up to ₦1,500 in parts of the north, according to Channels Television. Diesel has exceeded ₦2,000. The price increases have come despite the Dangote refinery operating at full capacity.
The report says domestic refining has not insulated consumers because crude costs and fuel prices remain linked to global markets. The pressure threatens President Bola Tinubu’s political case for ending the subsidy in 2023. Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has proposed a production subsidy.
His representatives say domestic crude would be supplied to Nigerian refineries at an incentivised price, with the expected savings passed to consumers. The proposal would reduce government revenue and require transparent pricing and safeguards, the report says. The Nigeria Democratic Congress has also entered the debate.
Its vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said a Peter Obi-led government would restore subsidy in a different form, potentially through investment in refineries and increased domestic production. Neither opposition proposal is presented as a return to the former import-subsidy system. Tinubu’s government maintains that the previous arrangement was fiscally unsustainable, encouraged corruption and diverted money from infrastructure and public services.
Channels Television says the argument is becoming harder to sustain politically as households struggle to see the benefits of reform at current pump prices. The administration is also facing questions over the President’s absence from Nigeria. Atiku has asked whether a written declaration was sent to National Assembly leaders authorising Vice-President Kashim Shettima to act.
Section 145 requires such a declaration when the President is on vacation or unable to perform his duties. The report says publication of the letter would settle the dispute.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.