Fuel subsidy return debate gains ground as Nigerians grow impatient

The proposal to bring back Nigeria’s fuel subsidy has become an issue that politicians can no longer avoid, according to Uche Igwe. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, put the idea at the center of the debate, drawing what the column describes as strong public support.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has attacked the proposal as evidence of “serious ignorance of governance and the economy.” Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, called Atiku a “confused politician and a voodoo economist.” Supportive commentators have also portrayed the former vice president as someone presenting himself as compassionate while frequently changing position.

The criticism has not stopped the proposal from gaining traction. Igwe writes that citizens are becoming increasingly skeptical and hostile toward the administration after waiting more than three years for reforms to improve conditions for poorer Nigerians. The government has responded by quickly expanding social-protection and palliative programs, including a $1 billion empowerment initiative and plans to add 500 compressed natural gas stations nationwide.

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serious ignorance of governance and the economy

The column says a planned transport subsidy for workers would reach only about four million people. It also criticizes efforts by presidential allies to direct public pressure toward state governors. Governors should be held accountable for funds entrusted to them, Igwe argues, but Nigeria’s federal structure gives the central government 52.68% of shared revenue. Citizens therefore expect the federal government to explain how it used its portion before demanding accountability from other tiers of government.

The argument reflects a broader political dispute over who bears responsibility for hardship and how public funds have been used. Igwe also points to criticism of large allocations linked to allegedly over-invoiced public projects, though the provided text ends before giving further details.

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confused politician and a voodoo economist