Nigeria’s debate over petrol pricing has taken a fresh turn, with opposition politicians advancing different proposals for easing fuel costs while Abia State Governor Alex Otti maintains that returning to the former subsidy system would not be the right approach.

The renewed discussion comes as the cost of petrol continues to affect transportation, businesses and household spending across the country.

Otti, speaking on Friday, September 25, opposed calls for a return to the subsidy arrangement that was removed under President Bola Tinubu. He argued that government resources would be better directed toward productive areas of the economy rather than subsidising fuel consumption.

The governor’s position comes against the backdrop of proposals from opposition figures seeking alternative ways to reduce the pressure of fuel prices on Nigerians.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has proposed government support for locally refined petroleum products as a possible alternative. His proposal has drawn questions from the ruling All Progressives Congress over its financial and legal implications.

Meanwhile, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress, said an administration led by Peter Obi would introduce fuel support in a different form, alongside efforts to strengthen domestic refining.

The competing proposals reflect a broader disagreement over how Nigeria should respond to petrol prices following the removal of the subsidy.

While advocates of targeted intervention say government support could provide relief to consumers, those opposed to a return to subsidy have raised concerns about the cost and sustainability of such policies.

With fuel prices continuing to influence transportation costs and the wider cost of living, the issue is likely to remain prominent in Nigeria’s economic and political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.