Subsidy removal: Hardship bites harder as Nigerians await palliatives

Six months after the Federal Government’s announcement of the fuel subsidy removal, the resulting difficulties persist. Citizens eagerly anticipate the promised relief from both the Federal Government and various state governments. While the Federal Government proposed a N35,000 wage increase, states pledged varying sums from N10,000 to N25,000. The fluctuating exchange rate exacerbates the challenges faced by the public.

DAILY POST reports escalating prices for essential goods, transportation, and services. The government vowed to implement measures, including introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles. However, citizens lament that none of these promises have materialized.

Transportation costs have tripled nationwide due to the high Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices, with no indication of a reduction in the near future. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of a N100 billion investment in 3,000 CNG-powered buses, citizens observe a lack of effective government intervention, making commuting increasingly difficult.

Cash transfer programs, announced by the President on Independence Day, aiming to assist vulnerable citizens with N25,000 monthly, have yet to benefit the intended recipients. Critics, such as Adebayo Mathew, a PDP chieftain, express skepticism, considering the worsening poverty levels and essential goods’ unaffordability.

Regarding local refineries, the government assures that the Port Harcourt refinery will commence operations by December 2023, leading to a reduction in petrol prices. However, many Nigerians doubt this timeline, citing past unfulfilled promises and expressing uncertainty about a correlation between refinery operations and lower fuel prices.

While some, like Comrade Jare Ajayi, urge hope and patience until the year-end, others, like Mr. Kelvin Adanu, remain skeptical, cautioning against expectations based on previous unmet promises. The public continues to grapple with the economic challenges resulting from the fuel subsidy removal, awaiting tangible improvements from the government.