The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised to adopt a new approach to fuel pricing if it takes power after the January 2027 presidential election.
The party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, disclosed this during an interview with Arise TV, saying an NDC-led government would introduce a form of fuel subsidy while avoiding the system previously used by successive administrations.
Kwankwaso, who previously served as governor of Kano State, also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to end the petrol subsidy at the beginning of his administration.
He argued that the policy had contributed to the economic difficulties currently facing Nigerians, describing the country’s economic situation as a “total mess.”
According to him, the government could support consumers and lower petrol prices through several measures rather than simply returning to the old subsidy arrangement.
He pointed to increased domestic refining as one of the measures the NDC would pursue, arguing that the government should also establish refineries instead of leaving the responsibility entirely to private investors.
“Now we have a refinery built by a businessman and I am sure more will be built,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that the ability of private individuals to establish refineries demonstrated that the government could also invest in the sector.
“If individuals in this country can build refinery, I see no reason why the government will not build refineries,” he said.
Kwankwaso maintained that an NDC administration would implement policies aimed at bringing down the cost of petroleum products.
“We in the NDC will do all it takes to put the price of oil down,” he added.
