Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has challenged the Federal Government to make its petroleum pricing template public, saying Nigerians deserve to understand how petrol pump prices are calculated.
Makinde made the demand on Saturday while addressing party stakeholders at the APM’s North-East town hall meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, amid continuing concerns over high fuel prices and the cost of living.
His call followed the Federal Government’s introduction of a temporary petrol discount through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), aimed at providing some relief to consumers.
The governor argued that publishing the pricing template would allow Nigerians to examine the components used to determine petrol prices and offer informed suggestions on how the burden on consumers could be reduced.
He questioned the effectiveness of some policies introduced by the current administration, including initiatives involving compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles and the naira-for-crude arrangement.
Makinde maintained that government policies should be open to public scrutiny and that expertise in addressing national challenges was not limited to people holding public office.
He urged the Federal Government to provide clear information on its fuel-pricing calculations, insisting that transparency would allow citizens to assess the policy and contribute possible alternatives.
The governor also criticised the administration’s handling of electricity and other national challenges, arguing that Nigerians should assess political leaders based on their performance and promises.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Makinde promised that, if elected, his administration would pursue a four-year government of national unity and encourage broader participation in national decision-making.
He said his proposed approach would prioritise dialogue, respect for citizens’ rights and the search for solutions that address the country’s economic and social difficulties.
Makinde added that the APM was developing its manifesto after consultations with stakeholders, saying the party wanted its proposals to reflect the concerns and expectations of Nigerians.
Also speaking at the meeting, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the APM’s national leader, described the party as an opposition platform with elected officials and experience in governance.
Mohammed said the party was attracting interest and urged its members to work towards strengthening its presence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APM’s vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, also called for collective efforts to address Nigeria’s challenges, saying the party intended to present its policies to the public when its national campaign begins.
Makinde’s demand has added to the debate over petrol pricing, government transparency and the best ways to ease the impact of fuel costs on Nigerian households and businesses.
