The recent removal of fuel subsidy came as a rude shock to many Nigerians. To the man on the street, this translates to only one thing: Buhari's government has increased fuel price! And, to the sworn antagonists of this regime, there can never be a better opportunity to wail. Beyond these, there are many who seek to understand the common sense behind this decision. First, a quick recourse to the immediate past. Just over 2 years ago, crude oil was selling at above $100 per barrel. Today, it sells like pure water. To worsen issues, our treasury was mercilessly siphoned and emptied in a looting spree that lasted over 6 years. The implications are more than glaring - no money to throw around. The country had to decide between either scrapping the ever controversial fuel subsidy or shortfall in personnel salaries and capital projects. Either way, public outcry was most certain. Now, on the subsidy. The Obasanjo and Yaradua's governments spent hundreds of billions on this yearly. In the last years GEJ's regime, it criminally rose to trillions, even when it appears to be a sham. Yet, PMB was made to pay hundreds of billions of naira of his debt. Beyond this, most of our subsidised fuel end up in neighbouring countries where it sells higher. With the country not being able to produce beyond 20% of our total consumption we would continue to be at the mercy of these crooked marketers. Obviously, it was always going to be a lose-lose situation if it continues. With the subsidy now removed, restrictions on importation is also lifted. People will import and sell at competitive prices. However, in protecting the consumers, the government placed a ceiling: don't sell above 145 naira. There is every sense in this. As petrol floods the market, scarcity will end. More filling stations would be built. More cargoes will come in. Dubious marketers will lose out. Later, demand will fall. Price will fall. Market forces will take over. And it will get better as we build more refineries in the coming years. This is about the most difficult expedient decision this government has had to make so far. To me, it was a good decision. Obviously it would entail making some short term sacrifices. But in the long run, we stand to gain more. With petrol scarcity out of the way, PMB can now focus on building a better Nigeria.

The common man who believes in stomach infrastructure will find this difficult to believe.