By; Amb. ALIYU BIN ABBAS
An Open Letter To The President & Commander In Chief Of The Nigerian Armed Forces
His Excellency, Asiwaju Ahmad Bola Tinubu
Dear Mr. President
Introduction:
The recent decision by the Nigerian government to remove the fuel subsidy has resulted in a significant increase in the price of fuel, causing a price hike of over 200%. While the intention behind the removal may be rooted in economic considerations, the abruptness and magnitude of the policy shift have had adverse effects on the population. This critique explores the negative consequences of the sudden removal of the fuel subsidy and proposes alternative approaches that could have been implemented to ease the burden on the population.
Negative Consequences:
Economic Hardship: The sudden surge in fuel prices places an immense financial burden on the Nigerian population, particularly the low-income earners who heavily rely on affordable transportation for their daily activities. The increased cost of transportation has a cascading effect on the prices of goods and services, leading to inflationary pressures and decreased purchasing power.
Social Impact: The removal of fuel subsidy without a well-thought-out mitigation plan has disrupted the daily lives of Nigerians. Increased transportation costs not only affect commuting but also impact the cost of essential services such as healthcare, education, and food. This exacerbates the socio-economic inequality within the country and hampers the overall welfare of the population.
Business Environment: The sudden fuel price hike places an additional burden on businesses, particularly those operating in sectors heavily reliant on fuel such as logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing. The increased operational costs reduce their competitiveness and profitability, potentially leading to layoffs and reduced economic productivity.
Alternative Approaches:
Phased Reduction: Instead of an immediate removal, a gradual reduction of the fuel subsidy over an extended period, such as two years, could have been implemented. For instance, reducing the subsidy by 25% every six months would allow the population to adjust to the changing fuel prices gradually. This approach would provide sufficient time for alternative energy solutions to develop and mitigate the impact on the population.
Subsidy Rationalization: Rather than completely eliminating the subsidy, the government could have implemented targeted subsidy rationalization measures. By identifying and excluding high-income earners from the subsidy, the government could redirect the savings towards social welfare programs, infrastructure development, or alternative energy investments. This approach would minimize the impact on the most vulnerable segments of society.
Enhancing Public Transportation: Prioritizing the improvement and expansion of public transportation systems could have alleviated the burden of increased fuel prices. By investing in reliable and affordable mass transit options, such as buses and trains, the government could have provided viable alternatives to private transportation, reducing the reliance on fuel and mitigating the effects of the subsidy removal.
Conclusion:
The sudden removal of the fuel subsidy in Nigeria, resulting in a drastic increase in fuel prices, has had severe consequences on the population, exacerbating economic hardships and widening socio-economic inequality. Alternative approaches, such as a phased reduction or targeted rationalization of the subsidy, coupled with investments in public transportation, could have mitigated the negative impacts while facilitating a smoother transition. It is crucial for the government to consider the welfare of its citizens and adopt a more gradual and inclusive approach when implementing significant policy changes affecting the livelihoods of the population.
Amb. Aliyu Bin Abbas
National President
National Youth Alliance
