Former Presidential Spokesman, Laolu Akande, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the total removal of the fuel subsidy, emphasizing the economic hardship currently faced by Nigerians. Speaking on Channels TV’s Inside Sources, Akande outlined urgent steps the President must take to restore public trust and ease the economic burdens brought by rising fuel prices.
Akande stressed the importance of maintaining a manageable fuel subsidy in order to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. “Some forms of manageable subsidy will have to remain because we just can’t let this thing be entirely market-based. Our people cannot afford it. As simple as that! Who will tell the President that if he comes clean this way, there’s a good chance that Nigerians can start to listen to him, and he can begin to build trust with the people?” Akande implored.
He further explained that despite the President’s bold removal of subsidies in May 2023, the decision to reintroduce a partial subsidy months later demonstrates the unsustainable nature of the complete elimination of the subsidy. “The subsidy removed in May 2023 had to be partially restored a few months later because the pump price went higher than anticipated. The administration had to step in to provide a little succor for the people,” Akande stated.
Highlighting the current situation, Akande noted that the price of fuel varies between N800 to N1,200 per liter depending on the location, and that the government continues to provide a small level of subsidy, even though many Nigerians are unaware. “Government is still providing a little subsidy, and this must be communicated clearly to the public because many Nigerians believe that the subsidy was entirely removed,” he added.
Akande also raised concerns about the inefficiencies and corruption in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, calling on the President to take decisive action. Referring to Tinubu’s comments on discipline during a recent trip to China, Akande questioned why the same level of discipline is not being enforced within the country’s oil industry.
“Who will tell the President that if he doesn’t have the courage to take on the corruption happening in the oil and gas sector, why is he talking to us about discipline in China?” Akande asked pointedly. He emphasized that inefficiencies within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the broader oil sector are contributing to the ongoing economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
Without addressing these inefficiencies, Akande warned, the economic crisis will only worsen. “The oil sector is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and yet it remains plagued by inefficiencies. Without the President taking bold action to terminate once and for all the corruption in NNPCL, the hardship the average Nigerian is undergoing will continue unabated and even worsen. Why should he, as President, tolerate such? Removing the subsidy was bold, but cleaning up the oil sector is the bolder decision that he must take.”
Akande also cautioned against delaying necessary reforms in the oil and gas sector, warning that continued inaction could have severe political consequences for the administration. “Who will tell the President that if he delays making the bolder decisions to fight corruption and inefficiencies in the sector, the people who voted him into power will continue to carry the burden and suffer for much longer? But why should they suffer when there is a way out?” he questioned.
Akande’s remarks reflect a growing sense of urgency for the government to not only address the economic challenges brought on by fuel price hikes but also to implement structural reforms within key sectors of the economy.
Akande argued that one of the most effective ways for President Tinubu to restore public trust is to be transparent about the state of the oil subsidy and why the government decided to partially restore it. He outlined three critical truths the President must acknowledge in order to begin rebuilding trust with Nigerians.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said, ‘China is a very disciplined society. And we have to be disciplined too. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that is respected everywhere in the world.’ These are very promising pronouncements, but back here at home, Nigerians are distressed with the hike in the pump price of petrol,” Akande said. He stressed that if Tinubu openly addressed these issues, Nigerians would be more willing to listen and give him a chance to rebuild public confidence.
Beyond transparency, Akande urged the President to take the bold step of confronting corruption and inefficiencies head-on. “To remove the subsidy is bold, but to clean up the oil sector is the bolder decision that he has to take,” Akande reiterated.
Akande also expressed concern over the government’s heavy-handed response to recent protests, particularly the #EndBadGovernance movement. He criticized the labeling of protesters, including labor leaders like the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, as terrorists and treason suspects. “Who will tell the President that labeling some of the protesters as terrorists and treason suspects is particularly worrying?” Akande asked. He questioned whether there was sufficient evidence to justify such accusations and whether the government planned to prosecute these cases diligently.
Akande warned that such actions could tarnish Tinubu’s democratic reputation. “Who will tell the President that this idea is capable of rubbishing his credentials as a lifelong democrat?” he added.
