Trump Supports My Plan to Return Fuel Subsidy — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has claimed that United States President Donald Trump supports his proposal to restore fuel subsidy in Nigeria.

Atiku said the position formed part of his argument for reversing the removal of fuel subsidy, which he has repeatedly criticised as a policy that has increased economic pressure on Nigerians.

The former vice president said restoring the subsidy would help reduce the burden of rising fuel prices on households, businesses and other sectors of the economy.

He argued that the removal of subsidy had contributed to higher transportation costs and increased the prices of goods and services across the country.

Atiku has previously maintained that subsidy removal should not have been implemented without adequate measures to cushion its impact on Nigerians, particularly low-income households.

According to him, government policies should prioritise the welfare of citizens and ensure that economic reforms do not impose excessive hardship on the population.

The former presidential candidate also argued that Nigeria could adopt a more targeted approach to fuel subsidy rather than completely removing government intervention in the downstream petroleum sector.

His comments come amid continued debate over the economic consequences of subsidy removal and the measures required to reduce the impact of higher energy and transportation costs.

The Federal Government has defended the removal of fuel subsidy as necessary to reduce the financial burden of subsidy payments on government and redirect public resources toward development.

However, critics of the policy have continued to call for measures capable of reducing the effects of higher fuel prices on households and businesses.

Atiku said his proposal was aimed at addressing the immediate economic difficulties faced by Nigerians while creating conditions for sustainable economic growth.

He also linked the debate to broader questions about Nigeria’s economic management, arguing that government must adopt policies that protect citizens while encouraging investment and productivity.

The former vice president’s claim about Trump’s support adds an international dimension to the domestic debate over fuel subsidy policy.

Atiku has continued to advocate reforms that he believes would improve Nigeria’s economy, reduce poverty and strengthen the purchasing power of citizens.

The subsidy debate remains one of the most contentious issues surrounding Nigeria’s economic reforms, with supporters and opponents divided over its fiscal, social and long-term economic implications.

Atiku maintained that returning some form of fuel subsidy would provide immediate relief to Nigerians struggling with elevated living costs.