The national oil company disclosed this through its official X account over the weekend, explaining that the discount would be available to customers who download its application and make payments through the designated platform.
The announcement has raised questions among Nigerians about the accessibility of the initiative, particularly for motorists who do not own smartphones, lack reliable internet access or are unfamiliar with making payments through mobile applications.
The development follows the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol price discount intended to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on Nigerians, especially commercial transport operators.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to provide temporary relief to citizens and businesses grappling with higher transportation and operating expenses.
NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, explained that the ₦66-per-litre discount being promoted under the Independence Anniversary initiative was the same programme as the 30-day petrol price reduction announced by the Federal Government on October 8, 2026.
According to Odeh, the promotion was initially scheduled to run from October 1 to October 7 but has been extended until October 31, 2026.
He told Leadership that access to the discount had been restricted to the NNPC Fuel App to ensure proper monitoring and prevent abuse of the programme.
The company said the arrangement was designed to ensure that the intended beneficiaries received the discount while allowing the company to maintain effective control over the promotion.
Odeh also explained that the initiative was intended to encourage more customers to adopt the mobile application and improve their overall experience when purchasing petrol at NNPC retail outlets.
Under the arrangement, motorists are expected to download the application and complete their transactions through the platform to enjoy the reduced price.
The company has therefore made the use of its digital payment system a condition for accessing the promotional price rather than extending the discount automatically to every customer purchasing petrol at its stations.
Despite the stated objectives, the decision to make the mobile application compulsory has prompted concerns about whether all motorists can conveniently access the discount.
Critics of the arrangement have questioned the practicality of requiring every eligible customer to own a smartphone, download an application and complete a digital payment before benefiting from the price reduction.
Nigeria has a large and diverse population, including people who may have limited access to smartphones, reliable internet connections or digital financial services.
Commercial drivers, low-income earners and motorists who depend on cash transactions could face additional difficulties if no alternative payment method is provided.
There are also concerns about customers who may be unfamiliar with mobile applications or encounter technical difficulties while attempting to complete transactions at filling stations.
For a programme intended to ease the financial pressure associated with rising petrol prices, the payment requirement could create an additional barrier for some of the people it is designed to assist.
The concerns have consequently raised questions about whether the initiative can deliver broad-based relief if access depends on customers meeting specific technological requirements.
The Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount was announced against the backdrop of rising fuel costs and the resulting pressure on household budgets and business operations.
Transportation costs have significant implications for the prices of food, manufactured goods and other essential commodities because petrol is widely used in private and commercial transportation.
Commercial transport operators are particularly sensitive to changes in petrol prices, as higher fuel expenses can reduce their earnings or force them to increase fares.
The government therefore presented the temporary discount as a measure intended to provide some relief, particularly to transport operators and other consumers affected by rising fuel costs.
However, the implementation of the programme through NNPC retail outlets and the requirement to use the company’s application have become important issues in assessing how widely the benefits can be distributed.
The initiative’s reach will depend not only on the value of the discount but also on the number of participating stations, their geographical distribution and the ease with which customers can complete eligible transactions.
Motorists who cannot use the application may be unable to benefit, even when they purchase petrol from a participating NNPC outlet.
The ₦66-per-litre reduction offers a temporary price concession, but its overall impact will depend on how effectively it reaches eligible consumers during the promotional period.
For motorists who regularly purchase large quantities of petrol, the reduction could translate into savings over time. However, the compulsory use of the mobile application may limit participation among customers who rely on cash or lack access to digital payment services.
The arrangement also raises questions about whether NNPC will provide sufficient guidance and customer support to help motorists register, navigate the application and complete their purchases without unnecessary delays.
Clear communication about eligibility, payment procedures, participating locations and the duration of the promotion will be essential to minimise confusion.
The company has maintained that the app-based system is intended to prevent abuse, ensure proper control and improve customer experience.
Nevertheless, the concerns surrounding accessibility highlight the need to balance digital innovation with the practical realities of consumers’ everyday lives.
As the promotion continues until October 31, attention will remain on how motorists respond to the payment requirement and whether the scheme delivers the intended relief to Nigerians facing rising transportation and living costs.
