Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of secretly continuing fuel subsidies despite public claims of their abolition. In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, Atiku alleged that the Tinubu administration is expected to spend up to ₦5.4 trillion on fuel subsidies in 2024.
Atiku, who ran for the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized the administration for misleading the public. He urged President Tinubu to be transparent about the government’s policies and align public statements with actual actions, especially on the critical issue of fuel subsidies.
These accusations come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s economic policies. Atiku pointed to the resurgence of fuel queues and black markets, questioning the administration’s claim of subsidy removal. He demanded clarity on the fiscal commitments and benefits of the subsidy policy, calling for greater honesty from the government.