Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said an administration led by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would introduce measures to reduce the cost of petrol, including what he described as a different form of fuel subsidy.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, made the statement during an interview with Arise News while discussing fuel pricing and the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Asked whether the party’s position on fuel subsidy could affect its campaign in the North-West, Kwankwaso said the NDC would pursue its own approach to reducing fuel costs.
“No, no, no, look. We are bringing subsidy in our own way,” he said.
He explained that the proposed approach would include increased investment in domestic refining, arguing that expanding Nigeria’s refining capacity could reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and help lower prices.
Kwankwaso said the government could establish additional refineries where necessary to ensure that Nigerians have access to petrol at what he described as a reasonable price.
“Now, if individuals in this country could build refineries, I see no reason why government, under certain circumstances, will not build a refinery or refineries to the extent that we achieve the minimum requirement,” he said.
According to him, the NDC would prioritise policies aimed at reducing the price of petroleum products.
“What is the minimum requirement? The minimum requirement is for the people across the country to go to the filling stations and buy fuel at a reasonable price,” Kwankwaso said.
“We, in the NDC, will do whatever it takes, really, to put the price of oil down.”
Kwankwaso also criticised the manner in which the Tinubu administration removed the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office in 2023.
He acknowledged that major presidential candidates in the 2023 election had supported subsidy removal but faulted Tinubu for implementing the policy immediately, arguing that the consequences were not adequately addressed.
“And not only he decided to remove the subsidy, what he did was to remove it immediately, in fact, day one, without looking at all those possible issues that were associated with that,” he said.
Kwankwaso’s comments come as political parties and presidential candidates begin outlining their economic policies ahead of the 2027 general election.