The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount initiative, describing it as inadequate to address the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

According to Vanguard, the party faulted the policy in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, following the government’s announcement of discounted petrol sales at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) filling stations.

The Federal Government had announced the temporary measure, with priority given to public transport operators nationwide. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele explained that the arrangement was not a return to fuel subsidy but a plan to sell petrol at cost for the initial 30-day period.

However, the NDC described the initiative as “tokenism”, questioning whether the discount would provide meaningful relief to households and businesses struggling with high fuel prices and the rising cost of living.

The party also raised concerns about the limited number of designated NNPC outlets, warning that concentrating discounted fuel sales at selected stations could lead to long queues, congestion and safety risks.

The NDC further questioned what would happen after the 30-day period, arguing that Nigerians need lasting solutions rather than temporary interventions.

The criticism comes amid renewed debate over fuel prices and the Federal Government’s approach to easing the economic pressure on citizens.