The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged opposition parties criticising the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount to present practical alternatives that would provide relief to Nigerians.
The party urged opposition leaders to explain how their proposals would differ from the government’s intervention, how they would be funded and how quickly Nigerians would benefit.
The Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, made the call in a statement on Friday amid mixed reactions to the Federal Government’s temporary measure aimed at cushioning the impact of rising global crude oil prices.
The Federal Government had announced that retail outlets operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited would suspend profit margins and sell petrol at cost price for 30 days, with public transport operators given priority.
Oladejo argued that opposition parties should acknowledge efforts to ease the burden on Nigerians facing rising transportation, food and household expenses while presenting workable alternatives.
“The welfare of Nigerians must come before the political convenience of the opposition,” he said.
He described the automatic rejection of the initiative as “political opportunism masquerading as economic criticism,” insisting that criticism of government policies should be accompanied by practical solutions.
The APC spokesman said the Federal Government had clarified that the initiative was not a return to a general fuel subsidy but a temporary, targeted reduction involving profit margins.
However, he acknowledged concerns about the policy’s effectiveness, saying its implementation should be transparent, properly monitored and assessed through measurable outcomes.
“Whether the arrangement will deliver its intended benefits is a legitimate question. Its implementation, transparency, reach and measurable impact should be scrutinised. But scrutiny is not the same as reflexive condemnation, and accountability does not require political cynicism,” he said.
Addressing concerns about what would happen after the 30-day period, Oladejo said sustainability was a valid issue but should not be used to dismiss the immediate relief the measure might provide.
He urged the Federal Government to disclose details of the arrangement, ensure that intended beneficiaries received the benefits and explain what measures would replace the intervention before it expires.
On allegations that the initiative represented a disguised return to fuel subsidy, the Lagos APC urged opposition parties to assess the policy based on its provisions, funding arrangements and safeguards against abuse.
“If the opposition has credible evidence of fiscal irresponsibility or legal irregularity, it should present that evidence,” Oladejo said.
The party admitted that a month-long petrol discount would not resolve Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis, calling for sustained policies to stabilise prices, expand domestic refining capacity, improve fuel distribution, reduce logistics costs, support public transportation and strengthen citizens’ purchasing power.
Oladejo challenged opposition parties to state what they would do differently, how they would finance their proposals and how quickly their plans would deliver tangible benefits.
The Lagos APC described the discount as a step towards immediate relief but stressed that its implementation must be transparent, its benefits verifiable and subsequent government measures clearly communicated.
“Our position is straightforward: support what helps Nigerians, scrutinise what requires scrutiny and improve what needs improvement,” the statement said.
“The difference between constructive opposition and opportunistic opposition is simple: one offers better answers; the other merely objects to the answers on the table. Nigeria deserves the former.”
