The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has faulted former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.

NANS President, Akinteye Afeez, described the proposal as a desperate political statement that lacked a sustainable economic framework.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, had promised to restore a targeted petrol subsidy, arguing that the removal of subsidy had worsened poverty and reduced the purchasing power of Nigerians.

However, Afeez said returning to the subsidy regime would recreate the economic challenges associated with the policy.

He argued that subsidy removal, although difficult, was necessary to end a system that consumed substantial public resources, disproportionately benefited high fuel consumers and encouraged smuggling.

According to him, the funds previously spent on subsidies should instead be channelled towards education, job creation, infrastructure and other sectors that directly improve the welfare of Nigerians.

The NANS president said students and young Nigerians needed sustainable economic opportunities rather than policies that merely provided temporary relief.

He urged Atiku to present a comprehensive economic framework explaining how a restored subsidy would be financed without worsening Nigeria’s fiscal position.

Afeez stressed that NANS’ position was based on its assessment of policies affecting Nigerian students and citizens and was not influenced by partisan politics.

He also called on political leaders seeking the presidency in 2027 to prioritise affordable education, employment opportunities and measures that would improve the standard of living of young Nigerians.