By Derick peretengboro

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has claimed that United States President Donald Trump’s energy policy aligns with his proposal to restore fuel subsidy in Nigeria if elected president in 2027.

Atiku said his proposed policy would not amount to a return to the former subsidy regime but would instead introduce what he described as a “Production Subsidy” aimed at strengthening domestic production, expanding local refining and making petrol more affordable for Nigerians.

The former vice president made his position known on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, titled: “Atiku boasts of stakeholders, Trump support on fuel subsidy.”

According to Atiku, the proposed Production Subsidy would ensure that government intervention is directed towards local producers while reducing the impact of high petrol prices on ordinary Nigerians.

He said, “This is why my Production Subsidy is about putting money back into people’s pockets. Support what we produce and refine here, increase supply, monitor the price and make sure Nigerians feel the benefit at the pump.”

Atiku also cited the United States as an example of how government intervention could be used to support strategic energy production.

He argued that Nigeria should adopt policies that support domestic petroleum production rather than exposing citizens to the full burden of international energy prices.

The former vice president further criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for opposing interventions that could provide relief to Nigerians, while allegedly granting waivers, incentives and concessions to multinational companies and businesses.

Atiku questioned why government intervention should be considered poor economics when ordinary Nigerians are the intended beneficiaries.

President Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office on May 29, 2023, a decision that triggered a significant increase in petrol prices and contributed to rising transportation, food and household costs across the country.

The Tinubu administration has consistently defended the decision, arguing that the subsidy had become financially unsustainable and was vulnerable to fraud, smuggling and diversion of public funds.

Atiku, however, said he did not initially oppose the removal of the subsidy but questioned how the savings from the policy had been utilised.

He asked whether the funds saved had been channelled into critical sectors such as healthcare, education and security.

The ADC presidential candidate has since made a firm commitment to restore the subsidy if elected president in 2027.

He said, “If I win the presidential election, I will restore the subsidy. And anyone who stole Nigeria’s subsidy funds must return the money.

His position has, however, attracted criticism from members of the Federal Government.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had earlier questioned how an Atiku administration would operate a subsidy system under the current petroleum market structure, particularly with the growing role of locally refined petrol.

Wike also recalled Atiku’s position during the 2023 presidential election, when the former vice president supported the removal of fuel subsidy.

The minister specifically questioned whether an Atiku-led government would pay subsidy on petrol produced by the Dangote Refinery.

The Presidency has equally rejected Atiku’s proposal.

On August 26, presidential aide Otega Ogra estimated that the proposed subsidy could cost Nigeria about N19.1 trillion annually if crude oil sells at approximately $80 per barrel and the government subsidises about $40 per barrel.

According to the presidential aide, such expenditure could amount to approximately N52.3 billion daily and about N1.5 trillion monthly.

Despite the criticism and concerns over the financial implications, Atiku has remained firm on his position.

On August 26, he also rejected an attempt by one of his media aides to suggest that the proposed subsidy could only be temporary.

Atiku said his position remained unequivocal, insisting that he would restore the subsidy if elected president in 2027.

He said, *“Earlier, one of my press aides contradicted me in a policy statement as far as subsidy is concerned.

“I want to repeat categorically that when I said I would return to subsidy, I will! Nigeria is rich enough to look after the welfare of its citizens.

Atiku’s proposal is now emerging as one of the major economic issues likely to shape the 2027 presidential campaign, particularly as political parties continue to debate how best to balance government spending, domestic energy production and the welfare of Nigerians.