The agitation for the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria has been a topic of great concern for the government and the people. Daniel Bwala, an aide to the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has joined in on this conversation, stating that subsidy removal is the greatest good that Nigeria needs.
However, Bwala was quick to acknowledge that the burden on the people would be unbearable without a cushioning effect in place before the subsidy removal. He also highlighted that there is a high probability that removing fuel subsidy without a re-investment plan would provide a breeding ground for scammers and racketeering, hence exacerbating the people’s plight.
Bwala proposed that a well-defined and workable re-investment plan in transport, education, healthcare, and infrastructure should be provided to alleviate the negative impact on the poor, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), drivers, and middle-class citizens who are the engine of the economy. Failure to address these concerns, according to Bwala, could lead to another scam by racketeers.
Bwala’s comments come in response to the recent revelation by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC national leader, who announced the end of the fuel subsidy regime in Nigeria during his inauguration ceremony. As expected, this news has caused an increase in fuel prices nationwide.
The key takeaway from Bwala’s message is that if the government intends to implement subsidy removal, a comprehensive cushioning effect plan must be put in place to mitigate inflation and hardship. Additionally, a robust reinvestment plan that benefits the masses must be implemented to prevent further exploitation.
