Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has warned Nigerians against relying on palliatives to address the country’s economic hardship, arguing that bags of rice and cash transfers cannot replace sound economic policies. NigerianCareer Opportunities
Atiku made the remarks on Friday during a national address on fuel prices, palliatives and the rising cost of living, where he also urged President Bola Tinubu to use the remaining months of his administration to reduce the pressure on Nigerians.
Atiku attacks reliance on palliatives
Atiku said the removal of petrol subsidy had increased the cost of transportation, food, agricultural production and business operations, arguing that higher energy costs ultimately affect household incomes.
“When petrol becomes expensive, transportation becomes expensive. When transportation becomes expensive, food becomes expensive.”
He said Nigerians were more concerned about what their income could buy than government revenue figures or economic growth statistics.
Atiku also criticised the government’s reliance on emergency assistance to cushion the effects of economic policies.
“Do not make life unbearable and then distribute bags of rice as evidence of compassion.”
He added: “A bag of rice cannot repair an economy in which transportation costs outrun salaries.”
According to Atiku, palliatives can provide temporary relief but cannot address the underlying causes of economic hardship. Politics
“Palliatives manage pain. Good policy addresses the source of the pain.”
Calls for lower petrol prices
Atiku urged Tinubu to reconsider his approach to petrol pricing and adopt measures that would reduce costs for households, workers, farmers and businesses.
He recalled that Tinubu had previously dismissed his call for government intervention in petrol pricing as showing “serious ignorance” of governance and the economy.
Atiku said the continued complaints from workers, manufacturers, petroleum marketers and ordinary Nigerians should prompt the government to reconsider its position.
“A sensible idea does not become a bad idea because it came from your opponent.”
He urged Tinubu to adopt his proposed intervention even if the President chose to rename the policy or take credit for it.
“What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less.”
Atiku raises concern over electricity costs
The former vice-president also warned against repeating what he described as the mistakes associated with petrol subsidy removal as electricity subsidies are phased out from 2027.
He said higher electricity costs would put additional pressure on small businesses, manufacturers and households already struggling with energy expenses.
“The lesson of petrol must not be repeated with electricity.”
Atiku urged the government not to impose higher costs first and search for palliatives afterwards.
“Do not remove first and think later. Do not impose the pain first and search for palliatives afterwards.”
‘Eight months is a long time’
Atiku said the remaining period of Tinubu’s administration could still make a difference to Nigerians.
“Eight months may sound short inside Aso Rock. But eight months is a very long time when you are living from hand to mouth.”
He offered to provide the government with policy ideas that could help reduce the cost of living, saying political rivalry should not prevent useful measures from being adopted.
“If you need the framework, I will provide it. Implement it under your government. Give it whatever name you choose. Take the credit.”
“I ask for only one thing: Let Nigerians breathe,” he added.
Atiku outlines 2027 fuel subsidy plan
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Atiku said that if elected, his administration would introduce a production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians.
He said the proposed scheme would only cover products confirmed to have been refined locally, while imported products would not qualify.
According to him, the programme would have a fixed spending limit, require National Assembly approval and be subject to independent audits.
Atiku said the broader objective was to create an economy where increased production translates into jobs, stronger purchasing power and improved living standards.
“Ultimately, Nigerians do not live on statistics. They live on what their hard-earned money can buy.”
He also said his political contest with Tinubu should not come at the expense of Nigerians’ welfare.
“I am prepared to compete with you politically. But I will never compete with the welfare of the Nigerian people.”
“The presidency may be contested. The wellbeing of Nigerians should never be,” he said.