Atiku urges Tinubu to emulate Germany’s fuel tax cuts amid hardship

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living, urging the Federal Government to consider targeted fuel tax relief similar to measures adopted by Germany to ease pressure on households.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said economic reforms should not leave Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities, including food and transportation.

He made the remarks in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of his campaign council, in which he faulted the government’s economic messaging for failing to reflect the daily experiences of many citizens.

According to Atiku, some Nigerian families are skipping meals, struggling with transportation costs and exhausting their earnings before the end of the month.

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He also questioned Tinubu’s description of fuel subsidies as “addictive” and challenged the president’s assertion that salaries and pensions were being paid on time and in full.

Atiku cites Germany’s fuel tax cuts

The former vice-president contrasted Nigeria’s approach to fuel pricing with Germany’s reported decision to reduce taxes on petrol and diesel to cushion households against rising costs.

According to Atiku, Germany reduced fuel taxes by €0.17 per litre from October to December at an estimated cost of €2.5 billion, a measure he said was followed by a decline in pump prices.

He argued that the example demonstrated how governments could intervene to reduce the burden of rising fuel costs on citizens.

“When petrol becomes more expensive, transport becomes more expensive. When transport costs rise, food and other essentials cost more,” Atiku said.

“The hardship follows Nigerians from the filling station to the market and into their homes. Germany understands that when fuel prices put families under pressure, the government must act. Nigerians deserve the same compassion and urgency.”

Atiku proposed restoring targeted, budgeted support for refined petrol in Nigeria, subject to strict auditing and safeguards to ensure that the benefits translate into lower pump prices.

He said the proposed intervention would apply exclusively to locally refined petroleum products, excluding imported fuel.

“Support will follow the barrel refined here, creating jobs here and easing costs for Nigerians,” he stated.

The ADC candidate said the programme could be financed by reducing wasteful government spending, with measures introduced to prevent the diversion of funds and price manipulation.

He argued that reducing fuel costs could help lower transportation expenses, make essential goods more affordable and increase the disposable income available to households.

Atiku calls for relief for households

The former vice-president expressed sympathy for Nigerians struggling with the rising cost of living, urging the Federal Government to take additional measures to cushion the impact of its economic reforms.

“To every Nigerian forced to choose between feeding a family, paying for transport or meeting another basic need, I am deeply sorry. You did not deserve this hardship,” he said.

Atiku maintained that although the Tinubu administration had defended its policies as necessary reforms, their success should ultimately be measured by improvements in citizens’ living conditions.

He argued that government interventions should address the immediate financial pressures facing households while maintaining accountability in the management of public funds.