Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has challenged the Federal Government to publish the pricing formula behind its 30-day petrol discount programme, saying Nigerians deserve to understand how the figures were determined.

Makinde made the call on Saturday at the Allied Peoples Movement’s North-East 2027 Town Hall Meeting in Yola, Adamawa State.

He urged the government to make its calculations public so citizens and economic experts could assess the figures and suggest alternative solutions where necessary.

The governor argued that occupying public office did not mean government officials had all the answers to the country’s economic problems, stressing that Nigerians should be allowed to contribute their knowledge and ideas.

His comments followed the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount initiative in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), aimed at reducing the cost of fuel across the country.

However, the policy has attracted criticism from opposition figures, who argue that it could amount to a return of fuel subsidy under a different arrangement. Some have also questioned its timing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The programme comes amid rising petrol prices and the wider effects of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023, including the removal of fuel subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.

Although the reforms were designed to address economic challenges, they have contributed to increased living costs for households and businesses.

Petrol prices, which stood at about ₦830 per litre before the recent conflict in the Middle East, have risen to around ₦1,400 per litre, adding to concerns over transportation costs and general household expenses.

Makinde’s demand centres on transparency, with the governor insisting that Nigerians should be able to scrutinise the government’s pricing calculations and offer suggestions on how the policy could be improved.