A member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and public affairs analyst, Comrade Austin Okai, has backed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidy, arguing that its removal by the President Bola Tinubu administration has worsened economic hardship.
Okai made the remarks during an interview with ARISE NEWS, as monitored by The News Chronicle on Wednesday.
He said Atiku’s proposed return of the subsidy was intended to cushion the impact of rising living costs, arguing that the government had failed to demonstrate the benefits it promised Nigerians would follow its removal.
According to him, the government had promised increased revenue, job creation and improved infrastructure, but Nigerians were still facing high unemployment, poor roads and increased borrowing.
“Today, we are living on borrowing. You said it would address unemployment; today, we are dealing with a high unemployment rate. You said you would get more money to build roads—you heard what was revealed about the federal roads. The roads are so bad, they are impassable,” he said.
Okai argued that funding the proposed subsidy should not depend on reducing state allocations through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
He said Nigeria could mobilise additional revenue through tax reforms, increased crude oil production, internally generated revenue and Customs collections.
“Government is generating money. What we are saying is simple. It’s not about increasing allocation; what of the citizens? How are they faring, the voters?” he asked.
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Okai said the purpose of government revenue should ultimately be to improve citizens’ welfare, rather than leaving resources concentrated at the sub-national level.
“He will restore subsidy to ease the suffering of the citizens. The essence of making money is to have money in the pockets of the people, not in the pockets of governors alone,” he said.
On concerns about legislative backing for Atiku’s proposal, Okai expressed confidence that the ADC would secure the presidency and a majority in the National Assembly in 2027.
He said the party’s manifesto would later outline its plans for financing the proposed policy, ruling out additional taxes on already struggling Nigerians.
