Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that United States President, Donald Trump, supports his proposal to reintroduce fuel subsidy in Nigeria if elected president in 2027.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, said his proposed policy, which he describes as a “Production Subsidy,” would focus on strengthening local refining and domestic fuel production rather than depending heavily on imported petroleum products.
According to the former vice president, increasing domestic production would boost fuel supply, reduce pressure on consumers and ultimately bring down petrol prices at the pump.
“This is why my Production Subsidy is about putting money back into people’s pockets. Support what we produce and refine here, increase supply, monitor the price and make sure Nigerians feel the benefit at the pump,” Atiku said.
He added that the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) had similarly advocated greater support for domestic production, arguing that the United States had demonstrated the importance of backing strategic energy production.
“Trump supports the fuel subsidy return,” Atiku claimed.
The ADC presidential candidate also criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing his administration of withholding relief from ordinary Nigerians while granting waivers, incentives and concessions to multinational oil companies and individuals close to government.
Atiku questioned the rationale behind opposing government intervention when such measures are targeted at helping ordinary citizens.
“So why does intervention suddenly become bad economics when ordinary Nigerians are meant to benefit?” he asked.
