In a heartfelt tribute marking former President Muhammadu Buhari's 82nd birthday, Femi Adesina, his former spokesman, shed light on the reasons behind Buhari's decision to maintain the fuel subsidy during his administration.
Adesina revealed that Buhari's choice was deeply rooted in his empathy for ordinary Nigerians, whom he considered his primary constituency.
Adesina stated, "Buhari was always a friend of the poor. His argument was simple: when oil prices soared to $100 or even $140 per barrel, the ordinary people gained nothing.
So why should they suffer when prices fall?" This perspective, according to Adesina, was central to Buhari's policy decisions, ensuring that subsidies remained in place to shield the economically vulnerable from the volatility of global oil markets.
Despite plans announced in August 2022 to end the costly petrol subsidy by June 2023, it was Buhari's successor, President Bola Tinubu, who ultimately removed the subsidy shortly after assuming office.
Tinubu justified this move by emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the energy sector. He remarked, "By removing the subsidy, we are creating a more transparent and accountable energy sector.
The funds previously allocated to subsidising petroleum products are now redirected towards developing and upgrading our energy and other social infrastructure."
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