Subsidy is back, so much hypocrisy in Nigeria – Rufai Oseni
Arise Television Anchor Criticizes Government for Petrol Discount
Rufai Oseni, an anchor at Arise Television, has expressed strong criticism of the Federal Government’s recent decision to implement a 30-day petrol discount at stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He labeled the move as hypocritical, arguing that it effectively reinstated a fuel subsidy, which the government has publicly denounced.
Oseni made these comments during “The Morning Show,” a program on Arise Television, on Friday. He pointed to the contradiction in the government’s stance, particularly in light of recent remarks from Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele, who insisted that the discount was not a subsidy.
The anchor questioned the timing of the initiative, noting that it coincided with the buildup to the 2027 general elections. “If the government has opposed the return of fuel subsidies, why introduce a temporary discount now?” he asked.
Oseni acknowledged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s role in reigniting discussions about the need for measures to alleviate the impact of rising fuel prices. He recalled that Abubakar, in a speech delivered on September 18, suggested that President Bola Tinubu could rebrand the intervention and receive credit for it, as long as it provided relief to Nigerians.
He criticized the government for failing to implement adequate relief strategies despite significant increases in global crude oil prices since early March. Oseni remarked, “The recent decision shows that the government is capable of stepping in to ease financial burdens, contradicting its previous position against subsidies.”
In his commentary, he asserted, “Subsidy is back. Welcome back, subsidy. The fact that the Minister of Finance insists it’s not a subsidy doesn’t change the reality.” He emphasized that the government’s prior defenses against subsidizing fuel seem inconsistent given the recent actions.
Oseni also raised concerns about the implications of the temporary discount, suggesting it may be a short-term political maneuver. “After 30 days, will we see a return to previous policies once the elections are over?” he questioned.
He continued, highlighting the government’s historical stance on subsidies and transportation costs, pointing out that recent actions contradict previous assertions about the hazards of reintroducing subsidies. He concluded by urging a more honest discourse regarding the economic implications of the policy change, emphasizing the interconnectedness of profits and business sustainability.
