Talking About The Subsidy Removal… -By Ezekiel Isah Datsok

Nigerians are already feeling the brunt of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy government usually pay on petrol and petroleum products, although the hike in price and it’s accompanying effects are aggravated by selfish oil marketers.

Under normal circumstances, one can agree with the rationale behind the government’s decision, which is the fact that the funds expended by the government on oil subsidy(up to the tune of 4.39 trillion naira in 2022 according to Reuters) can be used to execute projects and programs which will better the lives of common Nigerians.
But, the bone of contention for me, is whether or not the money that will be saved by government upon the removal of this subsidy, will actually be used to improve our lives as Nigerians.
Won’t it be shared among those in power?

The problem is that the pernicious effects of these subsidy removal will take it’s toll on almost every Nigerian. But how sure are we that it’s anticipated socio-economic benefits will reach all of us too?

Some people may argue that we are in a hurry to criticise the policy, but the truth is that our government has enough money within it’s reach to better our lives without even removing oil subsidy.
A concrete proof of how wealthy we are in Nigeria is the affluent life our politicians live in Maitama ,while their children also cruise in New York, London and Paris. Another evidence is funds uncovered when some corrupt politicians and public office holders are investigated, like in the ‘ Dasuki gate’ scandal ,where the then National Security Adviser alone diverted 644 billion naira meant for the procurement of arms into unlabelled nooks.
If one public office holder can steal 644 billion naira in a single deal, what makes you think we don’t have enough money in this country that can sustain our development even if oil subsidy is maintained and fuel is cheap?

We remain largely optimistic though, and hope for the best, but until the benefits of this subsidy removal eventually matches or outweigh it’s present and potential consequences on the average Nigerian, we will keep complaining.

Until then…

© Ezekiel Isah Datsok