Kenneth Okonkwo accuses the Tinubu government of secretly restoring fuel subsidy through a 30-day petrol price discount
African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of secretly reintroducing fuel subsidy through its 30-day petrol price discount, arguing that the measure amounts to government intervention to lower the cost of fuel for Nigerians.
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Okonkwo made the allegation during an appearance on Inside Source, a Channels Television programme aired on Sunday.
He challenged the Federal Government’s position that the temporary reduction in petrol prices was a discount rather than a return to subsidy.
The former Nollywood actor and politician argued that the distinction was largely a matter of terminology, insisting that both measures seek to reduce the amount consumers pay at the pump.
“Sorry to say this, Taiwo Oyedele lied when he said it was not a subsidy. It was a subsidy,” Okonkwo declared.
His comments followed the government’s introduction of a 30-day petrol price discount aimed at easing the financial pressure on households and businesses amid high fuel costs.
According to Okonkwo, the intervention itself showed that the government recognised the burden petrol prices had placed on Nigerians.
He argued that the reduction in the pump price from about ₦1,500 to ₦1,350 per litre demonstrated the need for relief.
“What were they trying to do? They were trying to reduce costs. They acknowledged by themselves that the cost was becoming unbearable for the people and they had to intervene to give relief for the people,” he added.
The ADC chieftain’s criticism centres on whether the government’s temporary price reduction should be regarded as a subsidy, despite its description as a discount.
While Okonkwo maintained that both approaches serve the same purpose of lowering consumer costs, the supplied report did not provide further details on the precise funding arrangements behind the discount or an additional response from the Federal Government to his allegation.
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His remarks have brought renewed attention to the government’s fuel pricing policy and the distinction between temporary price relief and a formal fuel subsidy.
