Lagos APC Urges Opposition to Proffer Alternatives to Petrol Discount

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The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged opposition parties criticising the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount to present alternative measures for easing Nigerians’ economic hardship.

In a statement on Friday, the party’s spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, defended the initiative, which is being implemented through Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) retail outlets, with priority given to public transport operators.

Oladejo accused the opposition of politicising the intervention, arguing that temporary relief measures should be assessed on their potential benefits, implementation and impact rather than dismissed for partisan reasons.

He acknowledged concerns about the sustainability of the discount, particularly what would happen after the 30-day period, but maintained that its limited duration did not invalidate the relief it could provide.

The Lagos APC spokesman said the government should clearly communicate its exit strategy, ensure transparency and demonstrate that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.

He also urged opposition parties to substantiate their allegations that the initiative amounts to a return of fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should be examined based on its financing, accountability and safeguards against abuse.

Oladejo, however, acknowledged that the discount alone would not resolve Nigeria’s cost-of-living challenges, calling for sustained efforts to stabilise prices, improve domestic refining and fuel distribution, reduce logistics costs and support public transportation.

He said the Tinubu administration must continue to pursue long-term solutions with measurable results, while insisting that political parties should offer practical alternatives rather than turn economic hardship into campaign material.

The party urged political actors to prioritise Nigerians’ welfare as the country approaches another election cycle, stressing that government interventions should be supported where beneficial, scrutinised where necessary and improved where shortcomings emerge.

Oladejo said the Lagos APC welcomed the petrol discount as a step towards providing immediate relief, while calling for transparent implementation and clear communication of measures to follow its expiration.

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