5 STRONG REASONS WHY I SUPPORT ATIKU’S POSITION ON FUEL SUBSIDY
Opinion:
By PastorKay
The debate over fuel subsidy has once again taken centre stage in Nigeria’s political and economic conversation. However, before Nigerians dismiss Atiku Abubakar’s proposal simply because of the word “subsidy,” we must carefully examine what he is proposing and the potential impact it could have on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. I support Atiku’s position because Nigeria must begin to put the welfare of its citizens at the centre of economic policies. Economic reforms are important, but reforms that bring unbearable hardship to millions of citizens must be constantly reviewed.
1. NIGERIANS NEED URGENT RELIEF FROM THE HIGH COST OF LIVING
The cost of living in Nigeria has become unbearable for many families. Food prices have risen, transportation has become expensive and businesses are struggling with high energy costs. Fuel is connected to almost every aspect of the Nigerian economy. When the price of fuel rises, transportation costs increase. When transportation costs increase, the prices of food and other essential commodities are affected. A policy that successfully reduces the cost of fuel could therefore bring significant relief to millions of Nigerians. Economic reform must not only look good in government reports and economic statistics. The ordinary Nigerian must be able to feel the benefits.
2. CHEAPER FUEL COULD HELP REDUCE TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD COSTS
The price of fuel does not end at the filling station. It affects the cost of moving people, goods and agricultural products across the country. Farmers need transportation to move their produce from rural communities to the cities. Traders need transportation to move goods. Workers spend a significant part of their income on transportation every day. When transportation becomes expensive, almost everything becomes expensive. If a properly designed policy helps reduce the cost of fuel and energy, it could help reduce transportation costs and ease some of the pressure on food prices and other essential goods. This means the benefits could go beyond motorists and reach ordinary families across Nigeria.
3. NIGERIA SHOULD SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCTION, NOT ENRICH MIDDLEMEN
One of the strongest reasons I support a new approach to fuel subsidy is the need to move away from a system that benefits middlemen and towards one that strengthens Nigerian production. Nigeria is an oil-producing nation. It is unacceptable for a country blessed with enormous petroleum resources to remain permanently dependent on importing refined petroleum products. Any government intervention should focus on strengthening domestic refining, encouraging local production and ensuring that Nigerians benefit directly from the resources of their country. Nigeria should not spend public money enriching a few individuals. Nigeria should use its resources to strengthen industries, create jobs, increase local production and reduce the cost of living for its people.
4. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY MUST REPLACE THE OLD SYSTEM
Let me be clear: supporting a new approach to subsidy does not mean supporting corruption. Nigeria cannot afford a return to an open-ended system where public funds disappear without accountability. Any subsidy or government intervention must have a clear structure, a known budget and strict public accountability. Nigerians must know how much money is being spent, who is benefiting and what the country is receiving in return. There must be independent monitoring and auditing. There must be consequences for corruption. There must be transparency at every stage. If public money is being spent in the name of helping Nigerians, then Nigerians must actually see and feel the benefits. The days of using subsidy as a cover for enriching powerful individuals must never return.
5. THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE MUST BE THE PURPOSE OF ECONOMIC POLICY
The ultimate purpose of every government is the welfare and security of its people. An economy is not successful simply because certain statistics have improved. Economic growth must translate into better lives for ordinary citizens. Nigeria needs investment. Nigeria needs fiscal discipline. Nigeria needs reforms. But Nigeria also needs leaders who understand the daily struggles of the people. The Nigerian people should not be expected to suffer endlessly in the name of economic reform. Government must find a balance between building a strong economy and protecting citizens from extreme hardship. A good economic policy must not only satisfy economists and international institutions. It must also put food on the table, make transportation affordable, support businesses and give ordinary citizens hope.
MY POSITION
I do not support corruption in the name of subsidy. I do not support enriching middlemen with public funds. I do not support an irresponsible system that will destroy Nigeria’s finances. But I strongly support any transparent and accountable policy that will reduce the suffering of Nigerians, strengthen local production, create jobs and lower the cost of living. The real question is not simply whether government should intervene in the fuel sector. The real question is whether that intervention will genuinely benefit the Nigerian people. Nigeria must move away from policies that enrich a privileged few and embrace policies that put the people first. If Atiku’s proposed approach can genuinely strengthen domestic production, reduce energy costs, lower transportation expenses and bring relief to struggling Nigerians, then it deserves serious national consideration.
Nigeria should not subsidise corruption. Nigeria should not subsidise middlemen. Nigeria should support production. Nigeria should protect its people. And above all, Nigeria must ensure that every naira of public money works for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
PastorKay is a
Public Commentator and Social Activist
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