Nigeria: Fuel Subsidy Removal, Naira Floating, Tax Reforms Reasons for Nation's Hardship - Obi

What the report says

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying policies such as fuel subsidy removal, naira floating and tax changes have deepened hardship in Nigeria. The comments were reported by This Day and distributed by AllAfrica. Obi argued that the measures have helped drive up prices, close businesses, increase unemployment and reduce living standards.

He also took aim at a 30-day petrol discount announced by the federal government, saying the relief is too limited to matter for most consumers. According to the report, he said the discount would apply through about 900 Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited retail stations out of roughly 24,000 filling stations nationwide, leaving fewer than four per cent of outlets involved. He questioned whether the move was meant as a serious fix or a political gesture.

Obi said the government should prioritize policies that lower the cost of living and support agriculture, health care, education and infrastructure under a transparent system. He also repeated his view that any future petroleum pricing framework should be fair, affordable and accountable. His remarks come amid continued public debate in Nigeria over the economic impact of reforms introduced under Tinubu’s administration.