# Minister defends NNPC petrol discount > NNPC discount not subsidy: Minister says it cushions consumers amid rising fuel costs. - Title: Minister defends NNPC petrol discount · Premium Times Nigeria - Summary: NNPC discount not subsidy: Minister says it cushions consumers amid rising fuel costs. Nigerian Minister of Information Mohammed Idris says NNPC’s 30-day… - Keywords: nigerian national petroleum company, nnpc, petrol discount, fuel subsidy, mohammed idris, minister of information, nigeria, economic reforms, petrol prices, consumer relief, news, politics - Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/916547-minister-defends-nnpc-petrol-discount-says-its-not-return-to-subsidy.html - Author: Kabir Yusuf - Published: 2026-10-12T20:15:57+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: nigerian national petroleum company, nnpc, petrol discount, fuel subsidy, mohammed idris, minister of information, nigeria, economic reforms, petrol prices, consumer relief, news, politics ## NNPC discount initiative Minister of Information Mohammed Idris defends NNPC’s 30-day petrol discount as temporary relief for consumers amid rising global energy costs. > The NNPC has looked at it and said we are making this much profit. Why can’t we forgo some of the profit that we are making, so that Nigerians will have some form of cushioning? ## Criticism of discount policy Opposition politicians, labour leaders, and stakeholders question the discount’s duration, reach, and impact on households struggling with living costs. > Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the initiative, describing it as a politically motivated measure that would offer only temporary relief ahead of the 2027 general elections. ## Atiku Abubakar’s concerns Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar questions whether NNPC’s board approved the discount and how it will affect the company’s financial accounts. > Atiku also questioned the decision to make NNPC Limited bear the cost of the discount, asking whether the company’s board approved the arrangement and how the financial implications would be reflected in its accounts. ## Trade Union Congress concerns The Trade Union Congress and Social Democratic Party presidential candidate Adewole Adeboye question the discount’s implementation and whether it constitutes a subsidy. > The TUC’s concerns include its implementation and whether the arrangement amounts to a form of subsidy despite the government’s position. ## Minister’s economic reforms Minister Idris highlights economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda that have boosted revenue, non-oil exports, and infrastructure development. > Mr Idris said the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda over the last three years were evident across the eight presidential priority areas, including economic growth, national security, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialisation and governance. ## Oil production and exports Nigeria’s crude oil production has increased, and non-oil exports earned over $6 billion in 2025, the highest in the country’s history. > He also said Nigeria earned more than $6 billion from non-oil exports in 2025, describing it as the highest amount in the country’s history. ## Government’s next steps The government aims to ensure economic recovery benefits reach more households and improve purchasing power through expanded energy alternatives and domestic production. > Mr Idris said the government’s next task was to ensure that the gains from the economic recovery reached more households and improved their purchasing power. ## Minister’s call for context Minister Idris urges journalists to provide context when reporting on economic challenges, alongside government achievements and remaining work. > ‘Finally, my dear colleagues, we are not asking you to stop scrutinising the government. Your scrutiny makes us better. What I ask for is clarity and context: that the pressures Nigerians feel are reported alongside their causes, the progress being made and the work that remains,’ he said. ## Economic reforms impact Economic reforms have restored stability and confidence, with investments in infrastructure and agriculture strengthening food production. > He said the administration’s economic reforms were restoring stability and confidence, while investments in infrastructure were opening new opportunities and agricultural initiatives were strengthening food production. ## Security and health improvements Security operations address threats to lives and livelihoods, while healthcare investments expand access to essential services. > He added that security operations were addressing threats to lives and livelihoods, while investments in education and healthcare were expanding access to essential services. ## Foreign exchange stability The foreign exchange market has stabilized, allowing businesses and investors to plan with greater confidence. > He added that the foreign exchange market had stabilised, allowing businesses and investors to plan with greater confidence. ## Consumer relief focus The government remains committed to expanding affordable energy alternatives and strengthening domestic production to reduce living costs. > He said President Bola Tinubu remained committed to economic reforms while prioritising the welfare of Nigerians. ## NNPC’s profit decision NNPC has chosen to forgo some profits to cushion consumers from higher petrol prices, not to return to fuel subsidies. > The NNPC has looked at it and said we are making this much profit. Why can’t we forgo some of the profit that we are making, so that Nigerians will have some form of cushioning? ## Next steps for government The government aims to consolidate economic gains and ensure benefits reach more Nigerians through affordable energy and domestic production. > According to the minister, the administration is working to ensure that the benefits of economic recovery translate into greater affordability, improved purchasing power and better living conditions. ## Minister’s closing statement Minister Idris emphasizes the need for informed public discourse and a stronger Nigeria through clear context and scrutiny. > ‘Our shared interest is an informed public and a stronger Nigeria,’ he said. ## Key takeaway Nigerian Minister of Information Mohammed Idris says NNPC’s 30-day petrol discount is temporary relief for consumers, not a return to fuel subsidies.