# Presidency Criticizes Atiku Abubakar’s Stance on Fuel Subsidy Restoration

- Link: https://viralbrief.top/presidency-criticizes-atiku-abubakars-stance-on-fuel-subsidy-restoration/
- Published: 2026-10-27T00:24:11+00:00
- Author: Olamide

The Nigerian Presidency has formally challenged a proposal by former Vice President
Atiku Abubakar to reinstate fuel subsidies, arguing that such a policy would severely
hinder the nation’s economic development. The criticism, voiced by key administration
officials, centers on the long-term viability of subsidy programs in the current
economic climate.

## The Presidency’s Stance on Economic Policy

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola 
Tinubu, publicly criticized Abubakar’s advocacy for fuel subsidy restoration. According
to the Daily Post, Onanuga characterized the proposal as a regressive measure that
would effectively set Nigeria back by two decades. The administration contends that
the former vice president’s approach lacks the necessary economic foundation to 
support a modern, growing economy.

This sentiment was echoed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who previously questioned
Abubakar’s aptitude for managing contemporary economic challenges. Shettima suggested
that the push for subsidy restoration is driven by political convenience rather 
than sound fiscal strategy, arguing that such a move would be detrimental to Nigeria’s
future trajectory.

## Questioning Qualifications and Expertise

The discourse took a personal turn as the Presidency questioned Abubakar’s background
in economic management. Onanuga referenced Abubakar’s professional history, noting
his early career as a sanitary inspector prior to his tenure in the Nigerian Customs
Service. By highlighting this background, the administration aimed to cast doubt
on the former vice president’s capacity to navigate complex national economic policies.

The administration’s critique emphasizes a fundamental disagreement regarding the
role of government in energy pricing. While the current administration has moved
to remove fuel subsidies as part of a broader economic reform agenda, Abubakar’s
counter-proposal suggests a belief that state intervention is necessary to alleviate
the financial burden on the populace. However, the Presidency maintains that the
fiscal strain of such subsidies is unsustainable and counterproductive to the nation’s
broader development goals.

## Context and Current Economic Climate

The debate over fuel subsidies remains a central point of contention in Nigerian
politics. The current administration views the removal of subsidies as a critical
step toward fiscal discipline and long-term stability. Conversely, critics of the
policy, including Abubakar, often point to the immediate inflationary pressures 
and the rising cost of living that have followed the removal of these subsidies.

It is important to note that the specific economic models or data sets used by either
side to justify their long-term projections were not detailed in the source material.
The ongoing exchange reflects the broader ideological divide within the country 
regarding how best to manage its natural resources and fiscal policy.

## Conclusion

The tension between the Presidency and Atiku Abubakar underscores the high stakes
involved in Nigeria’s economic reform efforts. As both parties continue to debate
the merits of fuel subsidy policies, the discourse highlights the significant challenges
the nation faces in balancing fiscal responsibility with the immediate needs of 
its citizens. Whether these policy disagreements will shift public sentiment or 
influence future economic strategies remains a subject of ongoing national discussion.

<

p class=”vbna-source-note”>**Source:** [Daily Post Nigeria](https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/26/atiku-wants-to-take-nigeria-back-by-20-years-presidency/)

  TL;DR (AI Generated)

The Nigerian Presidency strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's
proposal to reinstate fuel subsidies, arguing it would severely damage the nation's
economic development.

Administration officials dismissed the idea as a regressive measure driven by political
convenience rather than sound fiscal strategy.

Furthermore, the Presidency questioned Abubakar's economic expertise while defending
the current administration's subsidy removal as a vital step for long-term fiscal
stability.

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