Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has raised concerns about the Nigerian government’s fuel subsidy removal policy.
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s announcement ending the subsidy era, there are claims that the government is still paying for fuel subsidy.
This has sparked a debate, with Falana urging the government to address these claims and reconsider its policy.
According to Falana, both the World Bank and Robert Dickerman, the CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, have suggested that fuel subsidy is still being paid by the government.
Falana highlighted the lack of denial from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited regarding these allegations, adding to the uncertainty surrounding fuel subsidy.
Falana emphasized the need for transparency, urging the government to confirm or refute the claims and bring clarity to the situation.
He pointed out the absence of provisions for fuel subsidy in the 2023 and 2024 Appropriation Acts, questioning the basis for the alleged payments.
Reflecting on past government actions, Falana recalled how despite previous announcements of subsidy removal, substantial amounts were still spent on “under-recovery” over an eight-year period.
This history of expenditure raises doubts about the effectiveness of the subsidy removal policy.
In light of these concerns, Falana called for a review of the policy, especially if the government is indeed spending significant sums on fuel subsidy monthly.
He argued that such a review is necessary to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians and ensure policies are in the best interest of the people.
