I once heard the story of a resilient woman who endured 280 days of pregnancy and five days of labor before finally delivering her healthy baby. I have heard that the pain is excruciating. However, in Nigeria to some extent this situation is not far from reality. No one wants to endure hardship; it’s like embarking on a journey with an incorrect map.
Before May 29th 2023, I was unaware of the concept of fuel subsidy removal. Yet like a woman in labor enduring pain with hope for new life, I stood alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 63 days after his inauguration speech. However, as time passed without any concrete action being taken regarding the matter at hand my patience dwindled. It wasn’t until his recent televised address titled “After The Darkness The Glorious Dawn” that I felt compelled to sit down and listen intently – all that I had been waiting for was confirmation that the subsidy has been fixed – when will this long-awaited delivery arrive?
What then is fuel subsidy removal?
This policy refers to government decisions, aimed towards eliminating or reducing subsidies provided on certain goods or services such as petroleum products in Nigeria.
This policy has sparked debate and controversy across Nigeria over several years. Subsidies place financial burdens upon government budgets which require sustained funding maintenance costs; by removing them governments can redirect those funds toward other critical sectors such as health care facilities, development programs infrastructure, upgrades social welfare programs etc. thus, improving public service quality while addressing pressing social needs.
Fuel subsidy removal first appeared in Nigeria during 1988 .when subsidies were introduced on petroleum products, to stabilize fuel prices making them more affordable for general populations following protests against price increases.
In 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo attempted deregulating downstream oil industry including removing fuel subsidies but due public resistance protests plan failed execution. The same occurred under President Goodluck Jonathan administration January 2012 partial removal leading to sharp increase petrol prices sparking widespread Occupy Nigeria demonstrations eventually rescinding decision. May-2016 Muhammadu Buhari administration announced complete elimination, resulting significant nationwide protestation claiming necessity addressing corruption, inefficiency drain public finances. However, backlash forced reversal partially reinstating subsidies instead discussing alternatives reforming regime associated fiscal challenges remaining topic debate discussion among successive administrations today.
Unfortunately, narrative changed now within Nigerian society where frustrated parents believe students enjoy better lives than they do leaving average student uncertain about tomorrow amidst worsening economic conditions affecting transportation costs, education quality, power outages, overcrowded classrooms limited resources, lecturers giving unqualified students colorful marks. because they too must cater for themselves. Poor economy engendering immorality amongst youth cybercrimes, robbery moral bankruptcy, corruption become rampant hindering progress contributing inflationary pressures market demand purchasing power, influencing behavior trend “one chance” becoming popularized throughout Abuja capital city reflective countrywide hardships experienced since implementation only God knows the next base.
Conclusively, elimination represents significant shift country’s economic policies. Although intended address fiscal challenge encourage market-driven pricing decisions, impact inflation transportation cost individual livelihoods cannot be overlooked.
Truth remains if nothing done in due time a day will come when the poor will eat the rich. Too long pain in labour room without child will be tag reproach we still await our pregnant wife to push newness God bless Nigeria!
– Samson Mercy Bukola
Department of Mass Communication
Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Kogi State.
