Accuses APC of Desperate Cover-Up

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has described the Federal Government’s newly announced 30-day petrol discount at NNPC stations as mere tokenism and a deceptive “Greek gift” from an administration that removed fuel subsidy without adequate planning or relief measures for citizens.

Reacting to the announcement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the party said the policy does not amount to a return of subsidy but is simply a temporary cost-price sale of petrol at NNPC outlets, with priority for public transporters.

“Nigerians cannot be deceived,” the NDC stated. “This is nothing but tokenism from a government that whimsically removed fuel subsidy without proper consideration, consultation, or cushions for the people.”

The party questioned what concrete relief the measure offers to the millions of Nigerians who lost jobs and businesses following the subsidy removal, or to those who died in under-equipped public hospitals that have become “mortuaries.”

According to the NDC, the move reveals desperation on the part of President Bola Tinubu and the APC. It accused the government of attempting to reintroduce petrol subsidy through the backdoor — a sign, it said, of an administration “in free fall, ready to clutch at anything to survive.”

The party also criticised the practicality of the plan, asking how the limited number of NNPC retail outlets can effectively serve over 200 million Nigerians without creating dangerous stampedes at filling stations.

“The only answer staring Nigerians in the face is that the economy is in a tailspin and at a tipping point,” the statement read. “The APC has shown itself glaringly incapable of rescuing the country from imminent collapse.”

Looking ahead, the NDC expressed confidence that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, under its platform, would restore the country to the right path. It called on Nigerians to turn out en masse on 16 January 2027 to vote for Obi and other NDC candidates, describing the current administration as “the most clueless and rudderless government in the history of Nigeria.”

“A New Nigeria is POssible with Obi,” the party declared.

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish National Strategic Fuel Reserve to strengthen supply security and guard against global disruptions or hoarding.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed Thursday during a briefing in Abuja.

Oyedele also announced a fresh package of other measures to cushion the impact of high fuel prices on Nigerians, including a 30-day margin discount at NNPC stations, a proposed ₦1,350-per-litre ceiling on ex-gantry or landing costs, and increased support for vulnerable households and small businesses.

He emphasised that the interventions were designed to provide relief to households and businesses without exposing the wider economy to additional risks.

Oyedele said the government was taking further steps because existing measures had not fully addressed the pressure felt by households following increases in fuel and transportation costs

• VON DG,Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndance

Voice of Nigeria (VON) is broadcasting news in nine local and international languages.

The languages are English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulfulde, Kiswahili, French, Arabic and Mandarin, with Mandarin added in 2026.

The Director-General of VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndance , disclosed this in Calabar during the 82nd General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), themed: “Broadcast Media – Bedrock of Democratic and Economic Advancement in Nigeria.”

Ndace said VON, which started as the External Service of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation before becoming autonomous in the early 1990s, now broadcasts in nine languages.

He explained that the multilingual approach reflects Nigeria’s diversity and reinforces the principle that stories are most powerful when told in languages audiences understand and identify with.

Ndace said while VON tells Nigeria’s story to the world, it is committed to promoting national unity, development, peace and the country’s positive image.

He called for stronger collaboration among public, private and international broadcasters, urging them to embrace innovation, uphold professional standards and use their platforms responsibly.