The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount initiative, describing it as a deceptive publicity stunt that insults millions of Nigerians crushed by soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
HURIWA said the government cannot claim to be offering relief to Nigerians while petrol still sells for ₦1,370 per litre, a price far beyond the reach of many struggling households, commercial drivers and small businesses.
The association accused the government of attempting to manufacture an impression of compassion through a token discount while ordinary Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of punishing energy costs.
“A ₦66 discount on petrol selling at ₦1,370 per litre is no economic relief. It is a cruel joke on Nigerians who are struggling to survive,” HURIWA said.
The rights group argued that a government genuinely concerned about the suffering of citizens would pursue substantial and accessible price reductions instead of celebrating a marginal cut that leaves petrol unaffordable for millions.
HURIWA maintained that any petrol price above ₦500 per litre remains far beyond what many low-income Nigerians can reasonably afford, insisting that the advertised discount does little to address the scale of the country’s economic hardship.
The association also questioned the decision to make the discount accessible through NNPCL’s mobile application, warning that the digital requirement could exclude motorists who lack reliable internet access, compatible smartphones or the technical ability to navigate the platform.
“Must a struggling commercial driver download an application before accessing a government-announced discount? How many drivers have the resources, digital skills and reliable internet access required to participate?
“Why should access to relief be turned into another hurdle for people already battling high transport costs, expensive food and dwindling earnings?” HURIWA asked.
The association said the government must explain why a discount presented as a public relief measure should depend on access to a digital platform rather than being reflected transparently and directly at the pump.
HURIWA’s criticism follows NNPCL’s reduction of its petrol price in Abuja to ₦1,370 per litre on Monday, after raising it to ₦1,405 at the weekend. Today, fuel us sold @ N1,400 per litre.
A market survey showed that NNPCL filling stations in Berger, Wuse Zone 6 and Wuse Zone 4 were selling petrol at the reduced rate, representing a ₦35-per-litre cut from the weekend price.
The development comes amid the company’s ₦66-per-litre discount initiative, which motorists can access through its recently introduced mobile application.
The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, had also proposed a fixed petrol price of ₦1,350 per litre at NNPCL filling stations, triggering debate over whether the arrangement amounted to a return to fuel subsidy.
Oyedele and the Presidency have rejected that interpretation, describing the proposed measure as a discount rather than a subsidy.
But HURIWA said the argument over what to call the initiative must not distract from the central question: whether ordinary Nigerians can actually afford the price they are being asked to pay.
“Nigerians do not need clever labels, political packaging or another publicity campaign. They need petrol prices that reflect the desperate economic reality of millions of citizens. A discount that leaves the product beyond their reach is not meaningful relief,” the association said.
HURIWA accused the government of trying to project responsiveness without delivering relief on a scale commensurate with the hardship facing the population.
It urged the Federal Government to stop presenting marginal price adjustments as major achievements and instead pursue practical measures capable of reducing transport costs, easing pressure on food prices and improving the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
The association said the success of any relief policy should be measured by its actual impact on citizens’ pockets, not by government announcements or promotional campaigns.
“The question is not whether the government has announced a discount. The question is whether a struggling Nigerian can afford to buy petrol after the discount. Until that question receives an honest answer, the government’s claims of relief will remain unconvincing,” HURIWA said.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
13th Seltember, 2026
