CSO writes FG, demands details of N3tn budgeted for petrol subsidy in 2022

The People’s Alternative Political Movement (TPAP-M) has asked the federal government to provide details of the N3 trillion budgeted for petrol subsidy in 2022.

In a letter dated January 27 and sent to TheCable on Sunday, the group also demanded details of the 65.7 million litres of petrol reportedly assessed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) as daily petrol consumption in Nigeria.

According to the group, the 65.7 million daily petroleum consumption assessed by the NNPC contradicts the 38.2 million petrol consumption per day estimated by the Directorate of Petroleum Resources.

“We have confirmed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has requested the sum of N3,000,000,000,000.00 (three trillion naira) as fuel subsidy for 2022. Having accepted the claim of the NNPC you have sought the approval of the federal executive council for the said sum of N3 trillion. In justifying the figure you disclosed to media representatives at the state house yesterday that “What this means is that we have to make incremental provision of N2.557 trillion to be able to meet subsidy requirement which is averaging about N270 billion per month,” the statement reads.

“Since the sum of N443 billion was presently allocated for fuel subsidy from January till June 2022 we are compelled to request you to furnish us with information on the budget of N2,557,000,000,000.00 (two trillion, five hundred and fifty seven billion naira) as fuel subsidy from July to December 2022.

“Furthermore, we request for information on the details of the NNPC’s assessment that the country is consuming 65.7 million litres per day whereas the Directorate of Petroleum Resources has insisted that the consumption of fuel is 38.2 million litres per day.

“As this request is anchored on the Freedom of Information Act 2011 you are required to accede to our request within 7 days of the receipt of this letter.

“Take notice that if you fail or refuse to furnish us with the requested information we shall not hesitate to pray the federal high court to compel you to furnish us with the requested.”