FG’s 30-Day Petrol Discount: It Is Political, Face-Saving Strategy And They’re Too Late — Sam Amadi
Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts and an analyst with Arise News, has criticised the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount initiative, describing it as a political response and an attempt by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protect its image amid growing debate over fuel prices.
Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts and an analyst with Arise News, has criticised the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount initiative, describing it as a political response and an attempt by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protect its image amid growing debate over fuel prices.
Amadi made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, October 9, 2026, where he examined the government’s approach to petrol pricing and its broader economic policies.
According to the analyst, the temporary discount should be viewed not only as an economic intervention but also as a move influenced by the political pressure surrounding the removal of fuel subsidy.
He suggested that the government’s decision had come after significant criticism of its handling of the issue.
“Well, first, I think it’s political, it’s also a face-saving strategy. Again, the government is too late or somebody will say, or even not at all,” Amadi said.
He also challenged the perception that subsidies are necessarily harmful to an economy, arguing that the policy can be a legitimate fiscal instrument when properly targeted and managed.
He maintained that governments could use subsidies to encourage production, support consumption or make essential services more affordable, depending on prevailing economic conditions.
Amadi said the controversy surrounding fuel subsidy had contributed to a broader misunderstanding of its possible benefits.
In his view, the central question should be how such interventions are designed and implemented, rather than whether subsidies should automatically be rejected.
The analyst stated: “Knows that subsidy is a fiscal tool that, if used well, either to boost production or consumption of essential services, or even coordinates managed condition problem economy, it’s used.”
He further referred to what he described as renewed interest in subsidy-related interventions by the World Bank, arguing that governments could consider such measures when responding to particular economic difficulties.
He maintained that a carefully structured subsidy programme could serve a useful purpose, especially when citizens and businesses are facing severe financial pressure.
Amadi also linked Nigeria’s current cost-of-living difficulties to several major economic decisions taken by the Tinubu administration.
He argued that the removal of petrol subsidy, the withdrawal of certain electricity subsidies and the floating of the naira had collectively increased the pressure on households and businesses.
According to him, the effects of these policies have made it more difficult for many Nigerians to manage rising expenses, while higher operating costs have created additional challenges for businesses.
He suggested that the government’s latest petrol discount announcement must be considered against this wider economic background.
The analyst also pointed to the influence of opposition figures in shaping public discussion about fuel prices.
He argued that criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other political figures had created a challenge for the Federal Government by keeping attention focused on the consequences of its economic decisions.
“But more importantly, I think the messaging from Atiku, Peter Obi and others have created a political difficulty for the Tinubu administration,” he stated.
COURTESY: Zephyrr
