Tinubu urges Nigerians to reject fuel subsidy return, calls it a siren song

President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject calls for the return of petrol subsidies, labeling such demands a "siren song," during his Independence Day address on October 1, 2026. He spoke amid political debate over fuel subsidy policy ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures promising a subsidy return as a campaign issue.

Tinubu said his economic reforms did not create Nigeria’s problems but were meant to address issues previous administrations delayed. He noted the economy grew by more than four percent in 2026, with both oil and non‑oil sectors contributing. Oil theft had reduced, inflation had fallen from its peak, foreign reserves had increased and the foreign exchange market had become more stable. Nigeria also recorded over $6 billion in non‑oil export revenue in 2025, which he described as real money made by real Nigerian businesses.

The President’s stance signals a commitment to continue subsidy removal despite public pressure. This affects household fuel costs, transport fares and inflation expectations as the 2027 election approaches.

Will you back the reform path for long‑term stability, or do you believe a subsidy return is needed to ease immediate hardship?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/01/we-must-reject-siren-song-of-return-to-fuel-subsidy-tinubu/