African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has promised to reduce the economic pressure on Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of fuel, transportation and essential goods.

Atiku made the pledge while criticising the Federal Government’s handling of the removal of petrol subsidy, saying the policy had contributed to the financial difficulties faced by households across the country.

In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president said President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address did not adequately reflect the hardship experienced by ordinary Nigerians.

Atiku also challenged the President’s claim that salaries and pensions were being paid on time, citing complaints from workers and pensioners over delayed payments.

He compared Nigeria’s situation with Germany’s decision to temporarily reduce energy taxes on petrol and diesel as part of efforts to cushion households and businesses from high fuel costs.

Germany’s tax reduction, which began on October 1 and is scheduled to run until December 31, is expected to provide about €2.5bn in relief.

According to Atiku, the impact of high petrol prices goes beyond transportation because higher fuel costs increase the cost of moving food and other goods to markets.

He proposed targeted government support for petrol refined locally rather than a blanket subsidy. Under his plan, the support would be tied to fuel produced in Nigeria, audited to prevent misuse and would exclude imported petrol.

Atiku said the approach would encourage domestic refining, create jobs and help reduce the cost of transportation and goods.

He further expressed sympathy for Nigerians struggling to choose between feeding their families, paying transport fares and meeting other basic needs, promising to change the country’s economic direction if elected.

He maintained that lower fuel costs would have a wider effect on the economy by reducing transport expenses and potentially making goods more affordable.

The controversy over petrol pricing has remained a major issue since the Federal Government removed the petrol subsidy in May 2023. The government has defended the decision as necessary to reduce the financial burden of subsidising petrol and redirect public funds, while Atiku has continued to call for stronger measures to ease the impact on households.