ADC presidential candidate says his proposed production subsidy would support local refining, boost supply and ease pressure on Nigerians

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that United States President Donald Trump supports his proposed policy of restoring government intervention in Nigeria’s fuel market.

Atiku, a former vice president, made the claim on Sunday while defending his proposal to introduce what he described as a production subsidy for petroleum products if elected president in the 2027 general election.

The former vice president said the policy would be designed to reduce the burden of fuel costs on Nigerians while simultaneously encouraging domestic production and refining.

His position was contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, titled, “Atiku boasts of stakeholders, Trump support on fuel subsidy.”

Atiku had previously pledged to restore fuel subsidy in a different form, arguing that government support should focus on domestic production rather than simply subsidising imported petroleum products.

According to him, the proposed intervention would help increase the availability of refined petroleum products, support local producers and ensure that consumers benefit from lower and more stable pump prices.

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“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,” Atiku said.

He also cited the position of the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), which has consistently advocated greater support for domestic refining and local petroleum production.

“CORAN is saying support domestic production. America understands the importance of supporting strategic energy production,” he added.

Atiku further criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over its handling of economic interventions, particularly policies affecting the petroleum sector.

The former vice president questioned why government incentives and interventions should be considered inappropriate when they are directed at ordinary Nigerians, while similar measures are used to support businesses and multinational oil companies.

“Yet Tinubu attacks relief for ordinary Nigerians while his government understands perfectly well how to grant waivers, incentives and concessions to multinational oil companies and businesses close to his administration.

“So why does intervention suddenly become bad economics when ordinary Nigerians are meant to benefit?” he asked.

The Tinubu administration removed the long-standing petrol subsidy after assuming office in May 2023, a decision that triggered a sharp increase in fuel prices and contributed to a wider rise in the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities.

The government has maintained that the removal of the subsidy was necessary to reduce the financial burden on the government and redirect public resources towards development and other priorities.

Atiku, however, has continued to argue that Nigerians require targeted government intervention to cushion the effects of rising living costs.

His latest proposal seeks to distinguish his approach from the previous fuel subsidy regime by placing greater emphasis on domestic production and refining.

The former vice president's reference to Trump is also aimed at drawing a parallel between his proposed intervention and the United States' use of policies designed to encourage domestic strategic industries.

However, Atiku's statement did not provide a direct quotation from Trump or identify any public statement in which the US president explicitly endorsed Atiku's proposed Nigerian fuel subsidy policy.

The claim comes as political parties and presidential aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with economic hardship, fuel prices, unemployment and the cost of living expected to remain major campaign issues.

Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, is now seeking the presidency under the ADC platform.

His campaign is expected to place significant emphasis on economic reforms, job creation, domestic production and measures aimed at reducing the financial pressure on households.