The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent steps to address the hardship and uncertainty faced by Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The CTA Executive Director, Faith Nwadishi, spoke to Daily Post on Tuesday and offered some recommendations for the government.
Fuel subsidy removal has been a contentious issue in Nigeria for years, as it affects the prices of transportation, goods and services.
Many Nigerians are worried about how the government will use the savings from the policy and what measures it will take to cushion the effect on the masses.
Nwadishi said that Tinubu should be transparent and accountable to Nigerians by publishing a detailed breakdown of the savings from fuel subsidy removal and how they will be spent for public good.
She also said that the government should develop a comprehensive palliative plan that targets the most vulnerable segments of society, such as low-income earners, elderly citizens, women and persons with disabilities.
She suggested that the government should provide subsidized energy, food, transportation, education and healthcare support as short-term measures to provide immediate relief.
She also advised the government to engage with civil society organizations, experts, and representatives of vulnerable groups to gather input and ensure that palliative measures are well-targeted and effective.
She added that the government should communicate clearly with the public, explaining the rationale behind the subsidy removal, the intended benefits, and the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians.
She said that by taking prompt action, demonstrating transparency, and implementing effective palliative measures, the government can address the concerns raised and work towards mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the lives of Nigerians.
According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), Nigeria would save N400 billion monthly from fuel subsidy removal. Tinubu announced fuel subsidy removal during his inaugural speech as president in February 2023.
The CTA has proposed the following steps that the government could take to address the concerns raised about the fuel subsidy removal:
- Publish a detailed breakdown of the savings from fuel subsidy removal, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Develop a comprehensive palliative plan that targets the most vulnerable segments of society, including low-income earners, elderly citizens, women and persons with disabilities.
- Implement short-term measures such as subsidized energy, food, transportation, education and healthcare support to provide immediate relief.
- Engage with civil society organizations, experts, and representatives of vulnerable groups to gather input and ensure that palliative measures are well-targeted and effective.
- Communicate clearly with the public, explaining the rationale behind the subsidy removal, the intended benefits, and the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians.
By taking prompt action, demonstrating transparency, and implementing effective palliative measures, the government can address the concerns raised and work towards mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the lives of Nigerians.
Call to Action:
Nigerians can urge the government to publish the savings from fuel subsidy removal and implement palliatives by contacting their elected representatives, signing petitions, and participating in protests and demonstrations.
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