The Federal Government’s N66-per-litre petrol discount ends on October 31. Motorists, commercial drivers and small business owners say it has brought little real relief from high energy and living costs.
Some drivers who bought discounted fuel at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) outlets reported modest savings. Others said few participating stations, long distances and high pump prices cancelled out the benefit. Consumers still do not know whether the scheme will end as planned, be extended or be replaced.
Critics question the impact
Prof. Tayo Bello said the discount has not delivered the expected results. He argued that neither petrol prices nor transport fares have dropped noticeably since it began. “The government is deceiving themselves, and they are deceiving citizens,” he said. He added that NNPCL has lost revenue on the discount, yet Nigerians have not seen matching gains.
Motorist Kolade John also saw no benefit. He said petrol at N1,350 is still too expensive. “Discount or no discount, they should drastically drop the price,” he said.
Few stations, limited access
Many drivers said access was the main problem. Minibus driver Felix Ajao works the Iyana-Ipaja to Oshodi route. He asked who would burn fuel searching for an NNPCL station just to save N66.
In Ogun State, tricycle operator Korede Atanda said the only NNPCL station along the Sango–Atan Expressway was not working at full capacity. Operators there, he said, still carry the full cost of petrol.
Some drivers did save
Not everyone was disappointed. E-hailing driver Azeez Kayode buys about 20 litres daily through the NNPCL app. He said he now saves about N1,320 a day. By his estimate, that comes to roughly N39,600 monthly, assuming the same use.
Uber driver Ola Ajetumobi called the discount welcome. He said a driver buying 40 litres could save between N2,400 and N2,600 per fill-up. Even so, he stressed that the discount does not raise earnings. Platform commissions, traffic, repairs and uncertain trip numbers still cut into drivers’ income.
Queues and uncertainty
Private car-hire operator Tunde Adebayo said an announcement is different from the experience at the pump. He warned that 30 to 45 minutes in a queue can cost a driver trips. He asked the government and NNPCL to publish clear details on how to apply, which stations take part and how to fix payment problems. He also urged them to say what happens after October 31.
InDrive driver Emma Uche called for a proper evaluation. It should count how many drivers used the discount, how many litres were sold and how much each driver saved. He added that lower fuel costs do not automatically lower ride-hailing fares. In his view, the discount is a short-term measure, not a complete fix.
Businesses still face high power costs
Small business owners said the discount did little to ease the cost of power. Funmilayo Abikeade runs a cold-room business in Ajuwon, Ogun State. She said erratic electricity and rising fuel costs make planning difficult.
Barber Fatai Adebisi is thinking of moving his shop to an area with steadier power. He warned that some businesses may close or cut operations because of high generator and solar costs.
Motorist Michael Ajewole said some transport operators spend as much as N60,000 on fuel each day.
CNG users face long queues
Some motorists have switched to compressed natural gas (CNG) to save money. Dispatch rider Idris Yekeen said he now spends more time queuing. At times he travels from Ikotun to Agidingbi or Agege to refuel.
Tricycle operator Bayo Oladimeji said queues are part of his daily routine. Drivers crowd a few outlets, and dispensing stops while fresh supplies are discharged into tanks. Both riders said CNG stations must expand if the fuel is to cut costs.
