Chief Barrister Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie, the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ethiope East Constituency in the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly election, has criticised the Federal Government’s reported 30-day fuel discount, describing the measure as inadequate relief for Nigerians grappling with high petrol prices.
Ikie, in a statement issued by his media team on Thursday, October 8, said the government’s decision to remove the retail profit margin on petrol for 30 days would do little to address the economic hardship faced by households, transport operators and businesses.
He argued that Nigerians had endured more than two years of high fuel prices, which he said had increased transportation costs, weakened businesses and reduced household purchasing power.
The NDC candidate cited the cost of travelling between Eku and Warri, as well as Abraka and Benin, as examples of the transportation burden confronting residents of Delta State.
Describing the measure as deceptive, Ikie questioned why the government could suspend the retail profit margin for 30 days but had not considered making the relief permanent.
“If you can sacrifice profit for 30 days, you can sacrifice it permanently for the good of Nigerians,” he said.
Ikie also questioned the government’s position that the initiative did not amount to a return to fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigerians needed a lasting reduction in petrol prices rather than temporary measures.
He called on the Federal Government to adopt policies capable of providing sustained relief to citizens, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on affordable transportation and energy.
“Nigerians in Eku, Ethiope East and across Delta State are wiser. We need permanent fuel price reduction, not 30 days of eye service,” he said.
The candidate urged the government to reconsider its approach to fuel pricing and provide what he described as meaningful economic relief, rather than measures he alleged were politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general elections.