Fuel subsidy removal. Blessing or burden?
Nigeria’s population is growing rapidly, and as it continues to grow, the demand for fuel and other resources will increase. If fuel prices keep rising due to the removal of subsidy, it could slow down economic growth and job creation. A slower economy could lead to fewer opportunities for young people, which could contribute to social and political unrest.
This has affected women and girls specifically. High fuel prices has put a strain on households, and women often bear the brunt of that burden, as they’re often responsible for managing the household budget and caring for children. This could make it harder for women to access education and employment opportunities, and contribute to gender inequality in the long run. It’s kind of a vicious cycle that has been made worse by the removal of fuel subsidy.
However, the federal government at least heeded the numerous outcries from various quarters, calling for palliatives to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on the people. The administration has shown that it is feeling the pulse of the people by providing more than N150bn as palliatives to be shared among the states in the county.
However, there are doubts over the capabilities of some governors to deliver or disburse these palliatives, going by the happenings in the past. We are all witnesses to the way and manner some foodstuffs that were meant to serve as palliatives for Nigerians were locked up in warehouses across the country.
I would like to use this medium to call on the people to monitor the disbursement of these palliatives in their various states. They should also ensure that these palliatives do not end up in the pockets of few powerful individuals.
It has been over a 100 days since the removal of fuel subsidy yet people are concerned about the improvement on education, healthcare and infrastructure sectors.
It’s possible that the impact takes time to trickle down and result in tangible changes. It’s important to keep pushing for transparency and accountability from the government to ensure that the funds saved from the subsidy removal are properly allocated to these sectors.
Isaac Fali
Mass Communication Department, Borno State University,
Maiduguri, Borno state
