By Jelili Gbadamosi
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said the energy policy of United States President Donald Trump supports his proposal to reintroduce fuel subsidy in Nigeria if elected president in 2027.
Atiku said his proposed intervention would focus on supporting domestic crude oil production and refining, with the aim of increasing supply and making petroleum products more affordable for Nigerians.
He disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, titled, “Atiku Boasts of Stakeholders, Trump Support on Fuel Subsidy.”
According to Atiku, his proposed “Production Subsidy” would be designed to ensure that government support benefits local producers while reducing the burden of high fuel prices on consumers.
“This is why my Production Subsidy is about putting money back into people’s pockets. Support what we produce and refine here, increase supply, monitor the price and make sure Nigerians feel the benefit at the pump,” he said.
The former vice president also cited the position of the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), arguing that its emphasis on domestic production aligns with his proposed policy.
Atiku said the United States had demonstrated the importance of supporting strategic energy production, which he argued provided a basis for similar intervention in Nigeria.
He questioned the Federal Government’s opposition to measures aimed at cushioning the effect of fuel prices on ordinary Nigerians, while providing waivers, incentives and concessions to businesses and multinational oil companies.
He argued that government intervention should not be considered bad economics when the beneficiaries are ordinary citizens.
Atiku had earlier pledged to restore fuel subsidy if elected president, making the issue a major component of his economic campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
