NANS Opposes Atiku’s Proposal to Reinstate Fuel Subsidy

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidies if he is elected president in 2027.

NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, described the proposal as a political response to the economic hardship facing Nigerians rather than a sustainable solution to the country’s financial challenges.

He argued that restoring the old subsidy system without addressing its structural problems could recreate the issues that led to its removal, including the huge cost to government, fuel smuggling and unequal benefits to high-volume fuel consumers.

According to NANS, the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023 was a difficult but necessary economic reform. However, the association acknowledged that the policy has caused significant hardship through higher fuel, transportation, food and household costs.

NANS said the important issue is how the money saved from subsidy removal is being used. The association urged the government to invest the savings in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors that can improve Nigerians’ living standards.

Atiku has maintained that he would restore fuel subsidies if elected in 2027, arguing that the government should provide relief to Nigerians struggling with the rising cost of living. His camp has also said the proposed intervention would focus on domestic production and reducing production and transportation costs.

However, NANS urged Atiku and other presidential aspirants to present long-term economic policies rather than solutions focused only on immediate relief.

The association warned that returning to a costly subsidy system could place renewed pressure on government finances and undermine efforts to fund critical sectors.

The debate over fuel subsidies is expected to remain a major issue ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, particularly as politicians debate affordable fuel prices, domestic refining, government revenue, social protection and economic sustainability.

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