₦airaland Forum

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing well.

I’ve been reflecting on the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria by President Tinubu — a decision that, understandably, sparked a lot of public frustration and hardship.

The sudden jump in fuel prices affected transportation, food, and practically every corner of our economy. It hit hard — especially for the average Nigerian.

But beyond the pain and politics, I think we owe it to ourselves to evaluate what we’ve actually gained, and what we’ve lost.

For one, long fuel queues have disappeared. Black market chaos has quieted. Supply chains — especially in more remote areas — have improved.

I spoke with a ride-hailing driver in Abuja who mentioned he now operates all day without worrying about fuel scarcity.

A small business owner I know said she can now restock with better predictability because her suppliers aren’t stuck in endless queues anymore.

These may seem like small wins, but for those living paycheck to paycheck, they matter deeply.

However, let’s not forget how we got here.

The PDP had 16 years with the subsidy system. Billions were spent, but the fundamental issues were never addressed.

Then came the APC, who, instead of fixing the problem, prolonged it and kept the illusion going until it became unsustainable.

So now, Tinubu tears off the bandage — and we’re all left to feel the sting.

In a few days, he’ll be rounding off his second year in office. And if history is anything to go by, the next two years may be more about preparing for re-election than delivering on long-term solutions.

We cannot afford to repeat the cycle.

Every administration — PDP or APC — has a role in how we got here. But more importantly, it’s time we start holding them all accountable for where we’re going next.

Fuel subsidy is gone. The question is: what are we gaining in return? And are the right systems being put in place so that Nigerians no longer carry the burden of government inefficiencies?

Let’s discuss.
How has the removal of subsidy impacted you — negatively or positively?

Real stories. Real reflections. No play

Very negatively overall. I said negatively overall because the saved funds have been largely used for things that cannot soothe the pains of subsidy removal yet no respite in sight for those things being stopped.
How many people travel nowadays that we now need more roads. Lesser travels and suddenly more roads.
How has power generation improved to reduce the suffering of people who power generating sets with petrol?
How has farming and general farming practices improved.
How has food processing improved to avoid the average 30% annual harvest lose?
How has healthcare improved?
How has education improved save for student loans?

Nothing but looting and corruption galore. Fuel subsidy removal, NNPC/Refineries/TAM, Ajaokuta steel complex, fraudulent super highways, fraud disguised as social welfare programs are the recycled haven of monumental corruption by this useless govt.

It was pure Deception.

Bat simply changed the actors in the game to favour himself and cronies.

For bat, The pms subsidy removal was never about how to make things better for the masses, it was about how to make more money available for himself and cronies.

I often ask, if pms subsidy is so bad, why are the political office holders still subsidising thier own pms? In fact, they are not even subsidising, they fully fund thier fueling from the government purse. So is it only the masses that should suffer the negative consequences of subsidy removal?

Again, look at the issue of constituency and security votes. Every sane Nigerian knows that these two votes are massive conduits for fraud and ways to avoid accountability. Hundreds of billions of naira are stolen through these means, so why didn't bat show his famous courage by stopping it? Or is it only on the masses bat has power to be courageous?

Bat is in business of governance for himself and cronies. For someone who once shouted that 'let the people breath', he is hellbent on chocking the life out of the people.

Come 2027, bat has to go so that a strong message can be sent to all political office holders, especially at the centre...

Why have the economic saboteurs not been arrested and made to face trail?

There were a number of steps that should have been taken before removing pms subsidy and devaluation of the naira. The issues that made both subsidies unsustainable remain and that is why things are not improving the way they should.

ivandragon:
It was pure Deception.

The issues that made both subsidies unsustainable remain and that is why things are not improving the way they should.

Nigeria problems seems endless

CodeTemplarr:
Very negatively overall. I said negatively overall
How has education improved save for student loans?

You're absolutely right. The truth is, subsidy was removed but the real burden was dumped on the masses, while the savings went straight into elite-centered projects. Roads for who? Power hasn't improved. Food is still expensive. Farmers are still on their own. Health and education still in coma.

Yet, if a politician loots billions today, they’ll still walk free tomorrow — maybe even get appointed again. No real consequences.

At the end of the day, every major policy feels like it was made to favour the connected few — not ordinary Nigerians. It's all pain for the people, profit for the cronies.

Kingdavid579:
Nigeria problems seems endless

"Seems" is the key word because those who benefited from the present rot make it seem endless.

Until the masses are made the focal point of governance and the politicians subject themselves to the same 'sacrifices' as the masses, the problems will always seem endless.

Kingdavid579:
At the end of the day, every major policy feels like it was made to favour the connected few — not ordinary Nigerians. It's all pain for the people, profit for the cronies.

Cc Nairalanda1.