President Bola Tinubu has criticised calls for the return of Nigeria’s petrol subsidy, describing the proposal as a sign of poor understanding of governance and economic management.

Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. He said one of his political opponents had recently advocated a return to the subsidy regime.

The President defended his decision to remove the subsidy in May 2023, saying the policy had placed significant pressure on government finances. He said 27 state governments had struggled to pay workers’ salaries and pensions before his administration came into office.

Tinubu also said the funds saved from the subsidy removal had helped strengthen the financial capacity of the Federal Government and states to meet responsibilities such as road construction, housing, healthcare and education.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the removal of the petrol subsidy generated N15.8 trillion in savings for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025.

He clarified that the amount was not kept as a separate fund labelled “subsidy savings,” but formed part of the resources available to the Federation following the government’s economic reforms.