Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has backed Aliko Dangote’s position on government support for domestic oil refineries, saying any subsidy arrangement should be directed specifically at locally produced petroleum products.

Atiku said the proposal should not amount to a return to the previous system of subsidising imported petrol, but should instead support local refining and production.

He argued that providing targeted assistance to domestic refineries could strengthen Nigeria’s refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and improve energy security.

The former vice president said supporting local producers would also encourage investment in the downstream oil sector and create conditions for more sustainable domestic fuel production.

His position comes amid renewed debate over the future of fuel pricing and government intervention in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

Dangote has similarly advocated policies that would strengthen local refining and ensure that domestic producers can compete effectively within the Nigerian market.

Atiku maintained that any government intervention should be structured in a way that benefits Nigerian consumers while encouraging investment and growth in the local refining industry.

The proposal has added to the ongoing national debate over how Nigeria can achieve energy security while keeping petroleum products affordable for consumers.