The Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for its N66-per-litre petrol discount, describing the initiative as a timely intervention that is providing relief to Nigerians amid rising transportation and living costs.
The coalition, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Comrade Danjuma Bello, on Monday, said the price reduction at NNPCL retail outlets was particularly significant at a time when fluctuations in international crude oil prices were exerting pressure on domestic petrol prices.
The NNPCL introduced the temporary discount on October 1, 2026, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. The promotion, initially announced as a temporary measure, has been extended to October 31.
Under the arrangement, motorists purchasing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at participating NNPCL stations through the NNPC Fuel App are entitled to the discount.
The CGG said the initiative was already translating into tangible savings for motorists, particularly commercial transport operators and other Nigerians whose livelihoods depend heavily on daily fuel consumption.
“The NNPCL’s decision to forgo part of its retail margin and pass the benefit directly to consumers is quite helpful and beneficial to citizens across the country,” Bello said.
The coalition noted that the intervention was coming against the backdrop of the continued pressure on household incomes caused by high transportation, food and operating costs.
It said any reduction in the cost of petrol could have a wider economic effect because fuel prices influence transportation costs and, indirectly, the prices of goods and services.
The group particularly commended NNPCL for prioritising public transport operators and for funding the discount from its own commercial margin rather than relying on government resources.
According to the coalition, the approach distinguishes the initiative from a conventional fuel subsidy, which requires public funds to keep pump prices below market levels.
“We commend the company for prioritising public transport operators and for ensuring that the discount remains a commercial decision funded from its own margin rather than public resources.
“This approach preserves the integrity of market-based pricing while still delivering support where it is most needed,” the statement said.
The coalition also backed the decision to restrict the promotion to NNPCL retail stations and transactions conducted through the company’s mobile application, saying the arrangement could help improve transparency and reduce potential abuse.
It urged motorists to take advantage of the remaining period of the promotion by using the NNPC Fuel App to purchase petrol at authorised NNPCL stations.
The CGG said the initiative was particularly noteworthy given the volatility of the international oil market and the impact of geopolitical developments on crude oil prices.
Nigeria removed its longstanding petrol subsidy in 2023 as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the financial burden of subsidising fuel and move the downstream petroleum sector towards market-based pricing. The policy initially triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices and transportation costs, contributing to broader cost-of-living pressures.
Against that background, the coalition described the NNPCL discount as a practical, though temporary, measure that could cushion the impact of high fuel prices without reversing the broader market-oriented policy.
“This is not a return of subsidy; it is a responsible corporate response that puts the welfare of citizens first,” Bello said.
The group urged other companies operating in the downstream petroleum sector to consider similar initiatives that could provide temporary relief to consumers while maintaining commercial sustainability.
“When companies choose to reduce their margins in the interest of the public, the entire economy benefits through reduced transport fares and lower overall cost of living,” the coalition said.
The CGG further called on the Federal Government and NNPCL to continue monitoring the impact of the discount and explore additional measures that could cushion the effect of high energy costs on households and businesses.
It, however, reiterated its support for transparent, market-driven energy policies, stressing that temporary relief measures should be designed in ways that do not undermine fiscal discipline or the long-term sustainability of the downstream petroleum sector.