NANS Rejects Atiku’s Promise To Restore Fuel Subsidy, Warns Its Return Could Recreate Economic Crisis

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, describing it as a political response to economic hardship rather than a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.

NANS President Akinteye Babatunde said returning to the old subsidy system without addressing its structural weaknesses could recreate the problems that made it unsustainable. He said the association’s position was not partisan but based on its responsibility to assess policies affecting Nigerians.

Akinteye acknowledged that subsidy removal in May 2023 had caused significant hardship but argued that the old system consumed trillions of naira, encouraged smuggling and disproportionately benefited heavy fuel consumers.

He said the real test of the reform was how government uses the funds saved, insisting they should be channelled into education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors capable of improving Nigerians’ lives.

Atiku has maintained that he would restore subsidy to ease the burden of rising living costs. He recently clarified that the position was genuine after an aide suggested it would only be temporary. His camp has also said the intervention would target domestic production and reduce production and transportation costs.

NANS urged Atiku to reconsider his position, arguing that Nigeria cannot afford to return to heavy subsidy spending while suffering infrastructural underdevelopment and states struggle to pay workers without borrowing.

Akinteye called on 2027 presidential aspirants to present sustainable economic policies that address both immediate hardship and the structural weaknesses of the economy.

NANS maintained that reversing the reform without a sustainable framework could expose Nigeria to renewed fiscal pressure. The subsidy debate is therefore expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections.