By Gabriel Ameh
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has defended the Federal Government’s proposed fuel price cap and other relief measures, describing them as temporary interventions to cushion Nigerians against rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East crisis.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group said the measures reflected efforts by governments around the world to limit the impact of rising energy prices on their citizens.
TMSG claimed that more than 115 countries had introduced or considered measures to address the economic consequences of the conflict, including fuel discounts and price caps.
It cited Germany, Spain, Greece, India, Pakistan, Australia, Mozambique and Kenya as examples of countries that had adopted similar interventions.
The group said Nigeria’s proposed measures included a month-long fuel discount and a fuel price cap subject to monthly review.
According to TMSG, the wider relief package also includes increased funding for cash transfers to vulnerable households, subsidised credit for small businesses and consumers, and accelerated deployment of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and supporting infrastructure in partnership with state governments.
The group further listed a proposed excess-profit tax targeting businesses found responsible for price gouging, enhanced tax relief for low-income earners under the 2027 Finance Bill, and plans for a National Strategic Fuel Reserve.
It said the proposed reserve would help protect Nigeria against future disruptions to global crude oil supplies by allowing refined petroleum products to be released into the domestic market when necessary.
TMSG argued that the measures should not be interpreted as a return to the petrol subsidy regime abolished under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The group maintained that a temporary discount funded by retailers and a negotiated price ceiling would differ from a system in which the government uses public funds to cover part of the cost of fuel purchased by motorists.
It also criticised opposition figures who have questioned the measures, accusing them of applying different standards to similar policies introduced in other countries.
The statement specifically referenced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, claiming he had praised Germany’s fuel discount while criticising Nigeria’s proposed interventions.
TMSG urged Nigerians to assess the measures as temporary responses to international energy-market pressures rather than a reversal of the government’s subsidy policy.
The group’s position comes amid continuing debate over how best to protect households and businesses from rising fuel prices without placing additional pressure on public finances.
Source: Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG).
