Kwankwaso Pledges New Form of Fuel Subsidy Under NDC

The vice presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has pledged that the party would reintroduce fuel subsidy in a different form if elected in the 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso made the promise during an interview with Arise TV, where he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy at the beginning of his administration.

The former Kano State governor described the subsidy removal as a mistake, alleging that it had contributed to the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

He said the NDC would explore alternative ways of supporting consumers and reducing the cost of petrol without returning to the previous subsidy arrangement.

“We’re bringing back fuel subsidy in our own way. There are so many ways to do that,” Kwankwaso said.

He also said the party would prioritise the development of additional refineries as part of its strategy to reduce fuel prices and improve domestic refining capacity.

Kwankwaso argued that if private individuals could establish refineries in Nigeria, the government should also be able to build and operate refineries capable of meeting domestic demand.

He said the NDC would implement measures aimed at lowering the price of petroleum products and easing the burden on Nigerians.

The NDC chieftain’s position represents a policy difference from the Tinubu administration, which removed the petrol subsidy in 2023 as part of its economic reforms.

The subsidy removal has remained a major issue in Nigeria’s political and economic debate, with supporters of the reform arguing that it reduces government expenditure, while critics have raised concerns about its impact on households and businesses.

Kwankwaso said his party would pursue an approach that combines domestic refining with government intervention to make petroleum products more affordable if it secures a mandate in 2027.

His pledge comes as political parties and presidential candidates intensify discussions around economic policies and campaign priorities ahead of the 2027 general elections.