Two months have passed since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eliminated petrol subsidy, promising that the move would allocate funds for education, consistent power supply, transportation infrastructure, and healthcare.
However, Nigerians are now expressing their dissatisfaction, as they claim to have not experienced any noticeable benefits from this policy change.
In their grievances, they express that life has indeed taken a turn for the worse. The president faced criticism for allegedly imposing an economic policy that was deemed unfavorable to the people.
In his inaugural speech at the Eagle Square on Monday, May 29, Nigeria’s 16th president, Tinubu, made a significant announcement regarding the 2023 budget. He declared that the budget did not allocate any funds for fuel subsidy, emphasizing that the payment of subsidies was no longer deemed reasonable or justifiable.
In a bold declaration, he assured the public that his administration would redirect funds towards bolstering the economy through investments in infrastructure and various other sectors.
In a recent assessment, Nigerians have expressed their belief that their lives were significantly better just two months ago. They have observed that attending to their own needs, as well as the needs of their loved ones, has become increasingly challenging in the present circumstances.
In a strong call to action, concerned individuals have urged the president to take immediate action by either reversing the policy or addressing the state of the nation’s refineries. The aim is to enable local refining of petroleum products, ultimately making pump prices more affordable for the average citizen.
In an interview, Murtala Abubakar, the Coordinator of the Arewa Defence League (ADL), expressed his concerns regarding the policy, stating that it has resulted in significant hardship for numerous families in the northern region of the country.
In a recent development, it has come to light that a significant number of individuals belonging to various sectors, including professionals, artisans, traders, civil servants, and businessmen, are facing a dire situation.
These individuals are reportedly struggling to meet their basic needs, particularly when it comes to having three square meals a day. The cause of this predicament has been attributed to the decision made by President Tinubu to abruptly remove the fuel subsidy.
In a disheartening turn of events, the very government entrusted with the responsibility of alleviating the hardships faced by the Nigerian people appears to be exacerbating their plight. In the current circumstances, let us envision the situation at hand.
Concerning this turn of events, it appears that rather than taking decisive action against those responsible for the misappropriation of subsidy funds, the government has chosen to allow them to evade accountability. This decision has left citizens grappling with the burden of increased hardship, as the stolen funds remain unrecovered.
In what could be described as a call for justice, the assertion is made that those who have allegedly engaged in subsidy theft should already be incarcerated in a rational society. The government is accused of protecting individuals from facing legal consequences and returning stolen funds.
In the streets of Kaduna, an increased number of beggars can be observed. In a bid for survival, individuals are resorting to selling their properties. According to Abubakar, individuals are facing difficulties in affording essential food items due to the significant increase in prices, coupled with their stagnant income.
In a recent interview, Alhamdu China, a trader and businessman known for operating a barber’s shop in the Barnawa area of Kaduna, expressed his concerns regarding the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy on businesses in the state.
In a concerning turn of events, the barber’s shop, which the individual is currently operating, is experiencing a significant decline in profitability. The lack of patronage from customers has resulted in the shop no longer breaking even.
According to the company, the recent increase in prices is attributed to the rising cost of petrol, which is utilized to fuel their generators.
In a plea for assistance, individuals are calling on the government to provide support, citing a lack of alternative means of survival beyond their current employment. In the midst of our daily responsibilities, we find ourselves faced with the pressing task of providing nourishment for our children, ensuring the payment of school fees, and meeting our various domestic needs.
The removal of fuel subsidy has had a devastating impact on businesses, leading to significant closures and job losses. Tragically, this policy change has also resulted in the untimely deaths of numerous individuals.
According to reports, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of sick individuals at the hospital. The question arises: Where exactly is the money to purchase drugs and food? In a concerning development, it has been observed that the prices of various goods and services have experienced a significant surge.
In a passionate plea, the user highlights the pressing need for the government to step in and address the pervasive issues of poverty and hunger plaguing the Nigerian population. In a statement, the user expressed their belief that repairing and optimizing refineries is crucial in order to reduce the price of fuel.
In a distressing turn of events, Amina Mustapha found herself facing a disheartening situation when she brought her 15-month-old malnourished daughter to the Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) in Duguri, Alkaleri Council of Bauchi State.
Seeking the life-saving Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a crucial supply item for treating severe wasting in children under five years, Amina was met with disappointing news – the food was unavailable due to being out of stock. As she pondered her next visit, she was overcome by the daunting prospect of a journey that may yield no results.
In a remarkable display of determination, a resident of the Yalo community embarked on a journey of approximately 25 kilometres from Duguri. To reach the much-needed health facility, she ingeniously hopped aboard a truck that was transporting goods to the area.
In an interview, she stated, “I will require N1,000 for an okada ride back home, or I can wait until evening when individuals will be returning from the market.” In a seemingly distressing situation, Amina found herself unable to assist her hungry and crying daughter. In response to the crying baby, she explained, “I will embark on a trek as my baby is in need of nourishment, and unfortunately, I do not possess any funds to provide her with sustenance.”
According to Yahaya Duguri, a staff member at the clinic, a significant number of patients, specifically pregnant women and nursing mothers, are neglecting their antenatal care and immunisation appointments. The primary reason for this is the exorbitant cost of transportation.
According to our records, there has been a decrease in their number compared to the usual figures we observe. A significant number of individuals are expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the recent increase in transportation fares. According to reports, the majority of individuals involved in the incident hail from nearby communities. He stated that they must rent a bicycle.
At the Yelwa Domiciliary Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Bauchi metropolis, the situation remains unchanged. According to Umar Mohammed, an auxiliary health care provider, there used to be a significant number of people arriving as early as 5:00am to pick numbers due to the large crowd.
In certain instances, gatherings of over 300 women are attended to. It is currently approximately 9:30am, and the quantity of them is less than 150.
As per his statement, a significant number of women express their concerns regarding the exorbitant expenses associated with commuting to the clinic. In a recent incident at Bayara General Hospital, Hanatul Luka was spotted engaging in a heated argument with a commercial motorcyclist.
The cause of the dispute was reportedly the unexpected increase in fare rates. Luka, who was clutching her antenatal care card, seemed visibly frustrated as she attempted to resolve the situation.
In a recent statement, the individual expressed that they are currently facing significant challenges. The individual arrived at the facility for antenatal care, bringing along their last N500. In a stunning revelation, the user admits to consuming only pap this morning.
In a surprising turn of events, the N500 note has proven to be insufficient for the user’s journey home. In a remarkable revelation, the user disclosed that there was a time when they would cover this particular distance for a mere N250. The user inquired about the appropriate preparations for their next antenatal appointment. In a somber tone, she expressed her deep sorrow.
In response to the current situation, Ibuchukwu Ezike, the Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), expressed his discontent. He emphasized that it is incorrect to attribute the current hardships in the country solely to the removal of fuel subsidy.
According to him, the recent rise in the price of gasoline at the pump cannot be attributed to the elimination of fuel subsidies, as there has never been a subsidy on fuel in the nation. According to him, the ongoing hardship has been deliberately planned to inflict punishment upon Nigerians.
According to CLO, they do not align with the belief that petroleum products have been subsidized for Nigerians since 1989, when the subsidy was removed by the Maj. General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) junta. In a united front, Nigerian students, represented by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have joined forces with several prominent organizations including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the radical press, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), human rights associations, and left organizations. Their collective aim is to voice their opposition against the withdrawal of the subsidy and the subsequent significant increase in pump prices of various products.
In response to concerns about price increases, the government has emphasized that the adjustments were not made without reason. Instead, they have implemented various programs aimed at mitigating the severe impact of subsidy removal on petrol.
In 1989, a protest known as the anti-Structural Adjustment Programme (Anti-SAP) protest took place. In a commendable move, buses were made available to cater specifically to individuals who were against the SAP (Structural Adjustment Program). These buses were not only accessible to workers and students, but also extended their services to professional associations such as the NBA (National Basketball Association), NMA (National Medical Association), farmers’ unions, and the general public.
Additionally, it is worth noting that there was no rise in school fees, food prices, rent, or household goods. However, it is important to highlight that there was indeed an increase in workers’ salaries. Since that time, there have been no reported incidents of oil subsidy reintroduction in Nigeria. However, what has been observed is the decline of oil refineries within the country and the exportation of crude oil to other nations for refining.
It is alleged that these countries house refineries that were supposedly constructed by corrupt and oppressive leaders in Nigeria. During this period, an independent marketers union was established to engage in oil business on behalf of the members of the civilian and military political classes, who were accused of engaging in corrupt practices.
In this period, the government initiated payments for the transportation of crude oil to international destinations, as well as covering the expenses associated with refining and shipping the resulting products back to Nigeria. According to the user, the money referred to as subsidy is reportedly being paid to the marketers instead of benefiting the Nigerian people. The user further claims that these funds eventually find their way into the hands of what they describe as “wicked and unconscionable rulers.”
Ezike expressed his lamentation over the recent increase in pump prices of petroleum products, which has subsequently led to a significant rise in the cost of living.
According to reports, it has been observed that everything is experiencing adverse effects, leading to a significant decline in the overall standard of living. In recent times, there has been a surge in the occurrence of social vices such as prostitution, armed robbery, and joblessness.
This unfortunate trend can be attributed to the downsizing of staff by private employers who are struggling to meet the financial demands of paying salaries, allowances, and maintaining office spaces. According to the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) official, the list is said to be inexhaustible.
In a recent statement, Dr. Maxwell Ngene, a renowned communications expert, shed light on the current state of affairs in Nigeria. According to Dr. Ngene, Nigerians have been grappling with an unparalleled level of hardship, which has resulted in various economic challenges. Notably, he highlighted the significant impact on food prices, the devaluation of the national currency, and the subsequent decline in purchasing power.
Ngene, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), has stated that Nigeria and its people have been brought to their knees in the past two months.
Nigerians express deep anger and frustration regarding the policy. The current economic situation in the country has resulted in the most severe financial crisis ever experienced since gaining independence. In a regrettable turn of events, the president is depicted as an ill-equipped, disloyal, unresponsive, and inept leader, seemingly indifferent to the concerns of the public.
In the wake of the removal of fuel subsidy, the nation has experienced a surge in challenges, including soaring food prices, devaluation of the national currency, diminished purchasing power, increased youth unrest, unbearable living conditions, high unemployment rates, widespread violence, and a rise in criminal activities.
In a concerning revelation, critics are claiming that fuel subsidy politics may be nothing more than a well-orchestrated scam by the power elite. According to some individuals who remain indifferent, they perceive the policy as unlikely to bring long-term benefits to Nigerians.
A group of individuals expresses concerns that the government may mishandle or misappropriate any potential financial benefits. According to the user, there is not only a trust deficit, but also a total collapse of trust.
According to reports, there is a lack of trust among the general population towards their leaders. In a nation that prides itself as the giant of Africa, it is concerning to note that the most severely affected by the current situation are the extremely poor households. In a stunning development, the significance of civil servants’ salaries has been called into question.
Unemployed school leavers appear to have become disillusioned with both the government and the nation, expressing a sense of hopelessness. In their desperate quest for survival, many individuals are now turning to engaging in criminal activities as a means to make ends meet.
In a statement, the user expressed their belief that the solution lies in returning to the previous state prior to the removal. In a call for action, it is imperative that efforts be made to refurbish our ailing refineries and construct new ones.
According to Ngene, it has been stated that if Aliko Dangote has the ability to construct a refinery, then there should be no obstacle preventing a country like Nigeria from doing the same.
In a letter addressed to President Tinubu titled “Your Withdrawal of Fuel Subsidy by Fiat was Heartless, Reckless and Ill Informed,” Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a prominent member of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his views on the matter.
The letter, which was made available, highlights the disappointment felt by those who had expected a more inclusive and well-informed approach from the President, given his previous experience as a governor of Lagos State for eight years and his widely acclaimed political acumen.
In a scathing critique, Pearse publicly criticized President Tinubu for unilaterally eliminating the fuel subsidy, without engaging in any form of dialogue, negotiation, or consultation. Pearse further expressed concern that this abrupt removal of the subsidy would have far-reaching consequences, as it would lead to a significant surge in the cost of living, thereby adversely affecting every facet of daily life.
In his statement, he accuses the President of not only causing economic hardship for the people, but also of plunging the nation into a state of panic. In a statement released yesterday, the Lagos State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) expressed their concerns regarding the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the Nigerian population. They criticized the Tinubu administration, accusing it of lacking knowledge and expertise in managing the economy.
In a recent statement, Dayo Ekong, the state chairman of the party, expressed concern over the increasing number of individuals falling into extreme poverty. Ekong also lamented the rapid rise in inflation and the devaluation of the currency, which have occurred within the short span of two months since Tinubu assumed office.
In a statement, Ekong revealed that the party is actively engaged in efforts to assist youths and other vulnerable groups in acquiring the necessary skills to thrive in society.
The Lagos State Labour Party, in collaboration with its national body, has expressed profound astonishment regarding the recent surge in the price of petrol under the administration of Tinubu/APC, deeming it an act of insensitivity.
In a surprising turn of events, it appears that the government has chosen to prioritize their own satisfaction rather than ensuring a comfortable life for the people.
In a statement, the speaker expressed sympathy towards the general public who are facing the negative consequences of the significant increase in prices. They also provided assurance that Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate from the LP party, will alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians once he assumes office. According to the user, the situation is only temporary.