Federal lawmaker representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe has criticised the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that despite increased government revenues and larger national budgets, Nigerians are experiencing worsening hardship.
Speaking on the podcast “Conversations with Prof. Jideofor Adibe,” the federal lawmaker said expectations were high that the removal of subsidy would improve the economy and create room for development, but claimed that the policy has instead deepened economic pain for ordinary citizens.
According to him, the decision to remove fuel subsidy on the first day of President Tinubu’s administration significantly increased the cost of living, with food prices, transportation and other essential services becoming unaffordable for millions of Nigerians.
The lawmaker questioned what the country has gained from the policy despite larger budgetary allocations since the subsidy removal.
He argued that if the federal government had generated more revenue from ending fuel subsidy, Nigerians should be seeing visible improvements in infrastructure, electricity, healthcare and social welfare.
“When you remove fuel subsidy, Nigerians expected development and better living conditions, but what we are seeing today is suffering,” he said.
Hon. Peter maintained that corruption and poor implementation of policies have continued to undermine the expected benefits of subsidy removal.
He questioned whether the promises made to Nigerians before and after the policy was introduced had been fulfilled, insisting that citizens deserve accountability on how public funds are being utilised.
“Let us ask Mr President, all the promises made to Nigerians after subsidy removal, have they been achieved?” he asked.
The lawmaker lamented that despite increased government spending through annual budgets, many Nigerians are still struggling to afford necessities.
He cited the power sector as an example, saying communities are often provided with transformers, yet residents continue to pay high electricity bills without corresponding improvement in supply.
According to him, the economic burden on citizens has worsened, making life difficult for many families across the country.
He also criticised what he described as poor governance and misplaced priorities, arguing that Nigerians expected subsidy savings to be channelled into projects that would directly improve their welfare.
The lawmaker noted that opposition politicians and stakeholders had raised concerns about the implications of fuel subsidy removal from the onset, warning that the absence of effective cushioning measures would increase hardship.
He said many lawmakers and political leaders later joined forces under a coalition movement to challenge the current administration, insisting that Nigerians deserve leadership capable of managing the country’s resources more effectively.
Despite his criticism, the lawmaker urged Nigerians not to lose hope, stressing the need for accountability and responsible governance to ensure public resources translate into real benefits for citizens.
