Former Vice President and 2027 presidential hopeful, Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment to restoring a targeted subsidy regime if elected president, saying Nigeria’s vast resources should be used to protect citizens from economic hardship.
Atiku made the declaration while receiving the Osun State leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, his position on subsidy has remained unchanged, insisting that government policies must prioritise the purchasing power and welfare of Nigerians.
«“On the question of subsidy, my position has not changed and will not change: I will restore it! A nation as blessed as ours has no business abandoning its citizens to hardship.”»
Atiku argued that the true measure of a nation’s economic strength should not be based solely on government revenue, but on what citizens can afford with the money in their pockets.
He said his administration would seek to restore the value of wages, support farmers by reducing transportation costs, make food more affordable and create an environment where businesses can produce, employ workers and prosper.
The former vice president linked rising fuel prices to increases in transportation and food costs, which he said had placed significant pressure on Nigerian households.
“When fuel rises, transport rises. When transport rises, food rises. When food rises, families suffer,” he said.
Atiku promised to break what he described as a cycle of rising costs that has characterised the country’s economic experience under the Tinubu administration.
He clarified that his proposed subsidy would be targeted at providing relief to Nigerians rather than returning to what he described as an “import racket.”
“I will not restore the import racket; I will restore relief,” Atiku said.
He also pledged to support local production, reduce energy costs and strengthen the purchasing power of Nigerians as part of his broader economic agenda.
Atiku said his vision was to build a Nigeria where citizens enjoy both economic and physical security, with affordable living conditions and greater opportunities for businesses and households.
“Economic security. Physical security. A better life for every Nigerian. That is the Nigeria I intend to build,” he stated.
