A Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and former aide to Peter Obi, Kenneth Okonkwo, has defended former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposed fuel subsidy plan, saying it could help ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
Okonkwo said Atiku’s proposal was different from the previous fuel subsidy system, which had been widely criticised over allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
According to him, the plan would focus on making crude oil available to domestic refineries at affordable prices to reduce the cost of producing petroleum products.
He explained that the approach could help lower petrol prices and reduce the financial burden on Nigerians struggling with the rising cost of living.
Okonkwo maintained that providing crude oil to local refineries at lower prices could improve domestic refining and make petroleum products more affordable for consumers.
He added that the proposed arrangement could serve as a means of addressing economic challenges and easing the pressure on households and businesses across the country.
Atiku, a presidential candidate of the African Democratic Party, has repeatedly advocated policies aimed at reforming Nigeria’s petroleum sector and improving economic conditions.
The proposal comes amid continued public concern over fuel prices and the wider impact of rising living costs on Nigerian households.
