Energy Crisis: Abuja motorists, commuters express concerns as N66 per litre PMS discount deadline approaches

*Motorists and commuters in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory express mixed reactions and concerns about the real impact of the Federal Government’s fuel discount initiative on consumers, as the October 31 deadline for the ₦66 per litre Premium Motor Spirit, also called petrol, discount at NNPC Limited retail outlets approaches

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As the October 31, 2026, deadline to N66 per litre petrol discount  approaches, some motorists and commuters in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed mixed reactions  and concerns about the implementation of the energy arrangement.

There are mixed opinions on the success of otherwise of the fuel discount initiative thus far.

NCC team on familiarisation tours of Airtel Nigeria, IHS Towers in Lagos (Photo News)

Some motorists have acknowledged that the temporary measure provided some relief against soaring fuel, and living costs, several others, however, argued it was too short-lived to make a meaningful difference on energy consumers.

ConsumerConnect had reported the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), early this month, arranged the 30-day discount for energy consumers at its retail stations across the West African country.

Objectives of discounted fuel, by Minister

Under the arrangement, the government said public transport operators are to receive priority at the company’s filling stations.

Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Honourable Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, explained that the arrangement was not a return to petrol subsidy.

Oyedele said the government was also negotiating a ceiling of N1, 350 per litre on the ex-gantry, or landing cost of petrol towards reducing sharp fluctuations in pump prices in Nigeria.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria Thursday, October 22, some of them applauded Federal Government cum NNPCL fuel discount initiative whereas others expressed reservations about its real economic impact on their daily activities in the capital city.

Sequel to the government’s announcement of N1,339 discounted petrol for motorists at NNPCL retail outlets, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery also cut its gantry petrol price by N25 per litre from N1,350 to N1,325 for consumers.

FCT energy consumers relate experiences

Relating his consumer experience, Mr Abubakar Saidu, a motorist who resides at Wuse, in the FCT, commended the Nigerian Government for the discount offered at NNPC Limited retail outlets.

Saidu stated that he purchased petrol through the app but sometimes had to wait in long queues before accessing the product.

He also noted that several Nigerian energy consumers had been unable to benefit from the discount due to network connectivity challenges in their locations.

He stated: “I downloaded the app, and followed the procedure before buying the petrol at N1,339 per litre.”

Commuters: Government intervention has ‘failed to ease transport costs’

Mr. Obi Anyawu, another commuter who resides at Nyanya, said the intervention had not translated into lower transport fares for commuters in the FCT.

Anyawu said the intervention had failed to ease off the burden of high transportation costs on Nigerians.

The consumer related that commuters are still struggling to afford daily transportation fares to work in the FCT.

He also said: “The transportation fare keeps increasing and there has not been any difference.”

Mrs. Stephanie Okoro, a commuter who resides at Karu, on the outskirts of Abuja City, said commuters were still struggling to afford daily transportation to work.

Okoro noted: “I have not benefited from the intervention, and I have not seen any positive impact it has, even among the transporters.

“Commuters continue to face difficulties accessing affordable transportation with many stranded at bus stops due to high fares.”

In his experience, Mr. Jide Oyetola, a motorist who resides at Bwari, rather urged the government for a comprehensive review of the intervention, and the introduction of additional measures to alleviate the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.

Oyetola asked the government to explore alternative measures to reduce transportation costs, and ease the economic burden on citizens.

He also said: “My secretary recently complained that her salary can no longer cover her transportation expenses.

“She said she might not be able to come to work five days a week because her salary can no longer cover her transportation costs.”

The motorist added: “Even if she waits for a cheaper bus every morning, the situation will still not be manageable.

“You cannot blame her. I am sure she is not alone in that plight.”

According to him, the situation forced her to consider reducing the number of days she would report to work.

Mrs. Nonye Obanla, another commuter who resides at Dutse, urged the government to explore alternative measures to reduce transportation costs and ease the economic burden on citizens.

Meanwhile, Nigerians have urged authorities for permanent solutions to the high energy costs, and attendant skyrocketing higher cost of living, products, services, and transport fares nationwide.

Stakeholders and drivers also urged the Federal Government to look beyond the 30-day window and implement long-term economic interventions, or alternative mass transit measures to minimise hardship in the economy.