Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy would reverse the gains expected from its removal.

Shettima spoke on Monday at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he accused Atiku of advocating the return of the subsidy for political convenience.

The Vice President said the proposal could push Nigeria back into poverty and questioned Atiku’s qualifications to manage a modern economy, citing his training at the Kano School of Hygiene.

Shettima also questioned Atiku’s understanding of environmental sanitation, using the distinction between influenza and Ebola to reinforce his criticism.

He urged Nigerians to carefully assess the policies and qualifications of political leaders before making decisions.

Atiku has advocated restoring fuel subsidy as part of his proposed economic approach, putting him at odds with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which removed the subsidy in May 2023.

The Federal Government has defended the removal as necessary to reduce pressure on public finances. However, the policy has been accompanied by higher petrol prices and increased living costs for many Nigerians.