Fuel subsidy removal: Nigerians not feeling impact of Tinubu’s decision – Osinbajo’s ex-aide
Laolu Akande, the former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, stated on Thursday that many Nigerians are not experiencing the expected benefits from the recent removal of fuel subsidies.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Akande emphasized that the increased revenue generated from the subsidy removal has not translated into tangible benefits for the public.
“The decision to eliminate fuel subsidies was made at the federal level, with the president announcing that the subsidy is gone,” Akande said. He noted that while many believed the removal of the subsidies would relieve the financial burden on the federal government, ordinary citizens are still feeling the negative consequences.
Akande remarked, “I have not seen evidence of any significant positive outcomes following this subsidy removal. While there is now more money available to the president and governors, the public has yet to benefit from this increased revenue.”
He expressed concern about the lack of accountability for those involved in previous fuel subsidy scams. “Those who contributed to the corruption surrounding the subsidies have faced no consequences,” Akande said. He called for justice, questioning the absence of discussions from political parties regarding reparations for the public.
“The scam of the subsidy has persisted over the years,” he stated. “Yet, nobody has been held accountable for it. The common Nigerians continue to suffer while those who perpetrated the scam go unpunished.”
Akande urged for greater transparency and action regarding the revenue generated from the subsidy removal, emphasizing the need for justice for those affected by the corruption in Nigeria’s fuel sector.
