NNPC stated that motorists can only enjoy the N66 petrol price discount by making payments through its official mobile fuel app.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has officially announced that motorists, commercial bus drivers, and everyday car owners across Nigeria can get the promised N66 fuel discount only by downloading and paying through its official mobile app.
The national petroleum company released the update on its official X handle over the weekend, sparking widespread complaints among commercial drivers and low-income citizens who do not own expensive smartphones or know how to use internet banking apps.
This unexpected operational requirement comes barely a few days after the Federal Government announced a 30-day nationwide fuel price discount to lower pump prices and bring relief to transport operators and daily commuters.
Explaining the connection between the government announcement and the ongoing price reduction, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, Mr. Andy Odeh, confirmed that the N66 per litre price drop launched under the Independence Anniversary promotion is the exact same relief initiative mentioned by federal authorities.
Addressing the media regarding why the company extended the promotional period and restricted payment methods to mobile phones, Andy Odeh disclosed that the discount campaign, which was originally planned to run from October 1 to October 7, has now been officially extended until October 31, 2026.
Explaining the main reasons why NNPC decided to restrict the fuel discount strictly to payments made through its smartphone software, Andy Odeh told Leadership newspaper that the condition was set to “ensure effective control, prevent abuse, and ensure the benefit reaches intended customers”.
The official spokesman added that forcing petrol buyers to pay through the application was also designed to increase the number of people using their digital technology platform.
Elaborating further on how the national oil firm intends to modernize fuel transactions across its retail outlets, Andy Odeh noted that the initiative was also intended to “encourage wider adoption of the application and improve the customer experience”.
See Also: FG Announces 30 Days Discount On Petrol Sold By NNPC
Under the new payment guidelines released by the national oil company, drivers arriving at participating NNPC retail filling stations across all states are expected to open the NNPC Fuel App on their mobile phones, generate payment codes, and complete digital money transfers before pump attendants can dispense the discounted fuel into their tanks.
However, millions of everyday Nigerians, commercial drivers, taxi operators, and motorcycle riders have strongly criticized the app requirement, arguing that a public economic relief program meant for poor citizens should not depend on smartphone technology, mobile internet data, or bank network signals.
Many transport operators pointed out that older drivers, illiterate citizens, and rural workers who use simple keypad phones will be completely shut out from benefiting from cheap petrol.
Driver unions and transport associations have called on NNPC management to allow cash and direct card payments so that all Nigerians can enjoy the discount equally.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
