The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government over the rising cost of living, citing Germany’s temporary reduction of petrol and diesel taxes as an example of government intervention to ease pressure on citizens.
Atiku accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to adequately shield Nigerians from the effects of rising living costs, saying many households are struggling to afford basic necessities.
The former vice president made the remarks in a statement issued on Friday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
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According to Atiku, President Tinubu’s Independence Day address did not adequately address the economic difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians.
He also criticised the President’s justification of the removal of the petrol subsidy and his description of subsidies as “addictive.”
Atiku further disputed Tinubu’s assertion that salaries and pensions were being paid “on time and in full”, arguing that reports of delayed payments to federal workers and protests by pensioners over outstanding entitlements contradicted the claim.
His comments followed Germany’s decision to temporarily reduce energy taxes on petrol and diesel between October 1 and December 31, 2026, as part of measures aimed at easing the impact of high energy costs on households and businesses.
The German government said the energy tax reduction would amount to 14 cents per litre, rising to about 17 cents per litre when value-added tax adjustments are included. The measure is expected to provide about €2.5 billion in relief.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the temporary intervention was intended to provide immediate assistance to households and businesses affected by elevated energy prices.
Drawing a comparison with Nigeria, Atiku argued that increases in petrol prices have wider consequences for the economy because higher transportation costs affect the prices of food and other essential commodities.
“When petrol becomes more expensive, transport becomes more expensive; when transport costs rise, food and other essentials cost more, and the hardship follows Nigerians from the filling station to the market and into their homes.
“Germany understands that when fuel prices put families under pressure, government must act, and Nigerians deserve the same compassion and urgency,” Atiku said.
Atiku proposed a targeted support programme for petrol refined locally rather than a broad-based subsidy. Under his proposal, government assistance would be restricted to fuel produced within Nigeria and subjected to public auditing.
“We plan to restore targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, with strict auditing and a guarantee that the benefit lowers pump prices.
“Support will follow the barrel refined here, creating jobs locally, easing costs for Nigerians, and eliminating subsidies on imported fuel,” he said.
Expressing concern over the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, Atiku pledged to pursue a different economic policy direction if elected.
“To every Nigerian forced to choose between feeding a family, paying for transport, or meeting another basic need, I am deeply sorry because you do not deserve this hardship.
“Tinubu made life unbearably expensive and called your suffering the price of reform, but I will make life affordable again,” he said.
