Opinion
Fuel Subsidy Removal: A Paradigm Shift for Nigeria’s Development
In a nation grappling with the persistent challenge of eliminating fuel-based subsidies, Nigeria stands at a crucial crossroads. Since the inception of fuel subsidies in 1970, successive governments have attempted to remove them, only to be met with stiff political complexities that have allowed the subsidy to persist for a long. However, the time has come for decisive action.
President Abimbola Ahmed Tinubu in his inaugural speech declared an end to fuel subsidy in an unambiguous word “It has gone for good”. To put an end to the government’s continuous subsidizing of fuel, will mark a significant domestic policy shift if it’s become successful. As the nation braces for the potential repercussions, citizens are faced with a critical question: Is Nigeria better off with or without fuel subsidies?
The debate surrounding fuel subsidies has always been fraught with controversies and conflicting interests. Critics argue that fuel subsidy has overstayed its usefulness, draining exorbitant amounts of money from governments’ lean purses year in, in, and year out-without significant impact on the lives of ordinary citizens it meant to benefit. Instead, these subsidies often end up benefiting individuals and independent marketers, exacerbating inequality and inflation in the process. Over the years, the removal of fuel subsidies has always sparked explosive situations and protests from Lagos to Kano, Benin to Abuja fueled by the elite, who manipulate the grievances of citizens to achieve their objectives.
Yet, the government argument or those in support has always asserted that by redirecting the funds saved from subsidies into education and health, the masses will benefit more directly. The promise of reinvestment in sectors that have a tangible impact on citizens’ lives holds the potential for transformative change. However, concerns remain about the immediate consequences of subsidy removal, especially for low-income earners who constitute the majority of the country’s populace and will bear the brunt of increased fuel prices and a subsequent rise in the cost of goods and services.
In my analysis, the removal of fuel subsidies presents both challenges and opportunities for the Nigerians and the Nigerian government in the short and long run. It is a complex domestic policy that requires careful consideration and effective implementation, if failed the masses will bear the brunt, if it becomes successful, the government bears the credit. However, with the right approach, it can lead to long-term benefits and positive outcomes for the country.
To effectively navigate this transition, the Tinubu lead government must address these fears head-on and build trust among the people. Firstly, the government must be proactive, swift, and effective in handling its interventions in the form of palliatives for the poorest of the poor that is necessary to cushion the effects of rising food prices and the overall cost of living that will accompany this major domestic policy shift or else it will sink the administration. Additionally, the government should consider temporary measures, such as opening the borders to flood the market with affordable food items, while also engaging transport associations and owners to prevent exorbitant fare hikes that would burden the citizens beyond their means.
Beyond these immediate actions, a comprehensive and sustainable approach is essential to prevent sinking citizens further into poverty, instead, the government should roll out measures targeted toward bringing significant portions of the population out of poverty and improving their overall well-being. This includes enhancing social welfare initiatives, improving public service delivery, investing in healthcare, providing adequate wages, and implementing unbiased empowerment programs. By focusing on these areas, the government can foster entrepreneurship that will further reduce the effect of fuel subsidy removal and create a more equitable society.
Furthermore, the government must prioritize transparency and accountability in the management of resources. It should ensure that the funds saved from fuel subsidy removal do not end up in the pocket of individuals but rather are channeled effectively into sectors that directly benefit the masses. To achieve this, a clear policy mechanism by civil societies organization and organizations like BudgIT should be empowered to track and monitor the utilization of these funds, preventing any mismanagement or misappropriation.
To successfully navigate this transition, effective communication, and public enlightenment campaigns are paramount. The rationale behind fuel subsidy removal and the long-term benefits must be communicated to the public, managing expectations and reducing resistance. Collaboration with civil society organizations, labor unions, and other stakeholders is crucial in developing comprehensive social safety nets to protect the most vulnerable from potential negative impacts.
In the same vein, as part of efforts to revitalize the nation’s oil and gas industry, the government should immediately consider outright concession or privatization of the dormant refineries. This would pave the way for improvements, efficiency, optimization, and commercialization by private investors, bringing these refineries back to life. This government cannot afford to embark on another futile round of Turn Around Maintenance, which has consumed trillions of dollars without yielding results under previous administrations. By doing so, with the addition of the nation’s four refineries with capacities of 600,000, 150,000, 125,000, and 110,000 barrels per day, along with the largest single train Dangote and BUA refineries, fuel would become more accessible and affordable.
However, before reaching that stage, the government must effectively manage the consequences of fuel subsidy removal and alleviate the multidimensional impacts it would have on the country’s limited resources, as it could prove to be a challenging task. If the subsidy is removed, it will inevitably lead to a significant increase in the prices of goods and services across the country, disproportionately affecting low-income earners in terms of transportation costs and quality of life, that’s it become expedient to flood the market with affordable food items by opening the border temporarily.
Similarly, the new government must not pay lip service to diversifying the economy, by promoting and supporting sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, the government can create a more balanced and resilient economy. This will not only generate job opportunities but also reduce the vulnerability of the economy to fluctuations in oil prices, ultimately contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth. These are critical steps toward building a more resilient economy. This comprehensive approach will help lift a significant portion of the population out of poverty and improve their overall well-being.
One crucial lesson to be learned from past experiences is the importance of prioritizing social welfare initiatives. The government should draw inspiration from the Jakande administration, which focused on enhancing public service delivery in various sectors. Affordable and accessible housing options should be prioritized to address the housing needs of the less privileged, ensuring that they have a secure and dignified place to call home. Instead of constructing luxurious mansions in exclusive areas, the government should redirect its resources toward building affordable homes in areas where the poor can afford to reside.
Also, investments in the healthcare system are of paramount importance to provide quality and accessible healthcare services to all citizens, especially the underprivileged while adequate wages must be provided to workers across various sectors to ensure that they can afford a decent standard of living and support their families. Well-structured education is vital in equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge for personal and professional growth, leading to improved socioeconomic conditions.
Lastly, effective regulation and oversight are necessary to ensure fair and accessible services for the citizens, particularly in sectors such as transportation. Monitoring mechanisms should be put in place to prevent exploitation and profiteering by private entities, ensuring that transport fares remain reasonable and affordable even without fuel subsidies. Investing in an efficient and affordable public transportation system will not only alleviate the financial burden on low-income earners but also contribute to decongesting the cities and reducing pollution.
In addition to these measures, transparency, and accountability in the management of resources are crucial to building trust and confidence among the citizens. The government must ensure that the funds saved from fuel subsidy removal are directed toward sectors that directly benefit the masses, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
In conclusion, the removal of fuel subsidies represents a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s development. By adopting a comprehensive and sustainable approach that prioritizes social welfare, economic diversification, transparency, and effective communication, the government can successfully navigate this transition. It is crucial to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all segments of the population, particularly the most vulnerable. With careful planning, implementation, and collaboration with stakeholders, Nigeria can forge a path toward a more equitable and prosperous future for its citizens.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands on the edge of a consequential decision—one that may define not only its fortunes in Ibadan North Federal Constituency but also its broader political relevance in the state.
As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?
At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.
A Candidate Rooted in the People
In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.
His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.
Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.
The Danger of Political Disconnect
History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.
Ibadan North presents no exception.
With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.
Echoes from the Grassroots
Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.
Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.
A Test of Leadership and Judgment
For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.
The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.
The Stakes Are Clear
Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.
In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.
Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.
In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.
Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.
As the road to 2027 gradually unfolds across Oyo State, political conversations are shifting from routine permutations to deeper questions about competence, generational leadership, and measurable impact. In Ibarapa East, that conversation has found a new voice in Yusuf Abiodun Ramon — a Lanlate-born technocrat whose entry into the race for the State House of Assembly is redefining what representation could mean for the constituency.
In a political environment often dominated by familiar faces and conventional calculations, Ramon presents a profile shaped by technical discipline, structured thinking, and solution-driven engagement. His professional background, anchored in analytical precision and systems management, forms the foundation of his public service aspiration.
For him, representation must move beyond ceremonial presence to practical responsiveness — laws that reflect local realities, oversight that protects public resources, and advocacy that translates into visible development.
Ramon argues that the future of Ibarapa East lies in leadership that listens deliberately, plans strategically, and delivers measurably. He speaks of strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding youth-driven economic opportunities, and institutionalising transparency as core pillars of his agenda. In his view, governance must not merely be symbolic; it must be structured, accountable, and people-centred.
Rooted in Ile Odede, Isale Alubata Compound, Ward Seven of Ibarapa East Local Government, and maternally linked to Ile Sobaloju, Isale Ajidun Compound, Eruwa, Ramon’s story is not one of distant ambition but of lived experience. He is, in every sense, a son of the soil — shaped by the same roads, schools, and economic realities that define daily life in Ibarapa East.
“I was born here. I grew up here. I understand our struggles, our strengths, and our untapped potential,” he says. “Representation must go beyond occupying a seat; it must translate into preparation, competence, and genuine commitment to development.”
His academic journey mirrors that philosophy of steady growth. He began at Islamic Primary School, Lanlate (1995–2001), proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Orita Eruwa (2001–2007), and later earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 2009 and 2011. Refusing to plateau, he advanced his intellectual horizon and is now completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. “Education,” he reflects, “is continuous capacity building. Leadership today requires both technical knowledge and administrative insight.”
That blend of engineering precision and managerial training has defined a professional career spanning more than a decade. Shortly after his diploma, Yusuf joined Mikano International Limited as a generator installer, gaining hands-on experience in industrial power systems — a sector central to Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone. He later transitioned into telecommunications at Safari Telecoms Nigeria Limited, where he received specialized training in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands, strengthening his expertise in network operations.
In 2013, he became a Field Support Engineer at Netrux Global Concepts Ltd., then a leading ISM service provider in Nigeria. Over four formative years, he immersed himself in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance, mastering field coordination, logistics management, and real-time technical problem-solving.
Since July 2017, he has served as a Field Support Engineer with Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd., a power solutions firm providing services to major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. In that capacity, he operates at the frontline of ensuring energy reliability and network uptime — responsibilities that demand discipline, accountability, and systems thinking.
For political observers in Ibarapa East, this trajectory matters. It reflects more than résumé credentials; it speaks to a mindset anchored in efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes — qualities increasingly demanded in legislative representation.
Beyond the private sector, Ramon’s political exposure is neither sudden nor superficial. A loyal member of the progressive political family in Lagos, he once served as a personal assistant to a former lawmaker, gaining practical insight into legislative procedure and constituency engagement. Within his community, he has quietly extended financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and students — modest but consistent interventions rooted in personal responsibility.
“My interest is my people,” he states firmly. “Ibarapa East deserves strategic, responsive, and capable leadership at the State Assembly. We must move from rhetoric to results.”
Across the constituency — from Lanlate to Eruwa — development priorities remain clear: youth employment, vocational empowerment, rural road rehabilitation, stable power supply, agricultural value-chain expansion, improved educational standards, and stronger lawmaking that directly reflects community needs.
Political analysts argue that Ramon’s technocratic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of policy formulation and practical implementation. At a time when national discourse increasingly favours competence over grandstanding, his profile resonates with a broader generational shift toward performance-driven governance. His engineering discipline reinforces problem-solving; his business training strengthens administrative understanding; his grassroots roots anchor his empathy.
For Ibarapa East, the 2027 election cycle may represent more than a routine democratic exercise. It may mark a recalibration of expectations — a demand for representation that understands both the soil beneath its feet and the systems that drive modern development. As political alignments gradually crystallize in Oyo State, Yusuf Abiodun Ramon’s declaration signals the arrival of a candidate seeking to translate private-sector structure into public-sector impact.
One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of Ibarapa East has begun — and it is now framed around competence, credibility, and capacity.
Oluwasegun Idowu sent in this piece from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State
“In a sky where delays are normal, one airline flies with precision and trust. Ibom Air shows that reliability can be a strategy”.
In Nigeria’s skies, where flight delays and cancellations are often taken as routine, Ibom Air has quietly rewritten the rules. From the moment it launched in June 2019, the Akwa Ibom State–owned carrier has treated reliability not as a bonus, but as a core strategy—turning punctuality, discipline, and operational excellence into a competitive edge that passengers can count on.
While most airlines chase rapid expansion or flashy promotions, Ibom Air has chosen consistency. Flights depart on schedule, disruptions are minimal, and communication with passengers is clear and timely. This predictability has quickly earned the airline a loyal following among business travellers, professionals, government officials, and families for whom time is invaluable.
The airline’s approach is methodical. Every flight is treated as a commitment, and operational decisions are guided by structured planning, not improvisation. This discipline underpins everything from scheduling to fleet management, ensuring passengers experience flying without surprises.
Central to this model is Ibom Air’s modern fleet. Its Airbus A220-300 and Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft are fuel-efficient, comfortable, and rigorously maintained to meet both manufacturers’ specifications and the regulatory standards of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and international aviation bodies. Safety here is a culture, not a compliance exercise.
Cabin cleanliness and aircraft health are equally prioritized. Passengers consistently step into neat, hygienic, and professionally maintained cabins, reinforcing confidence and comfort even before take-off. In a sector where small details signal operational quality, Ibom Air’s standards speak volumes.
Technology quietly drives reliability across operations. From booking and check-in to flight coordination and customer service, modern systems enhance efficiency, reduce disruptions, and ensure smooth communication. These tools allow the airline to anticipate challenges rather than merely react.
R–L: Dr. Solomon Oroge, a consultant, and Mr. Idowu Ayodele, journalist and media practitioner, aboard an Ibom Air flight.
Service delivery follows the same disciplined pattern. Pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff operate under strict professional standards. Courtesy is paired with efficiency, and calm, structured service ensures passengers feel confident throughout their journey.
The Ibom Flyer loyalty programme reflects this structured approach, rewarding consistent passengers and fostering long-term engagement. It turns reliability into a tangible benefit for frequent flyers.
From its hub at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Ibom Air serves major Nigerian cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Enugu, while extending its reach to West Africa with flights to Accra, Ghana. Expansion is deliberate, prioritizing sustainability over rapid growth that could compromise service quality.
Measured growth allows the airline to maintain operational excellence and service consistency even as demand increases—a strategy that contrasts sharply with competitors whose rapid expansion often strains resources.
Mr. Idowu Ayodele, journalist and media practitioner, pictured inside an Ibom Air aircraft.
Beyond commercial success, Ibom Air has become a national example. It has created employment, stimulated tourism, and strengthened regional connectivity, projecting a positive image of Nigerian aviation at a time when confidence in the sector is often fragile.
The airline has also challenged assumptions about government-owned enterprises. By combining professional management with operational autonomy, it demonstrates that public investment can achieve efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness.
Reliability, in the case of Ibom Air, is than a promise—it is a deliberate business philosophy. It shapes operations, informs decisions, and builds passenger trust consistently.
Technology, discipline, and attention to detail converge to produce an airline that works. Every element, from fleet maintenance to cabin service, supports the promise that Ibom Air delivers what it advertises—without surprises.
In a market where uncertainty has been the norm, Ibom Air has shown that consistency can be a strategic advantage. Passengers no longer fly with anxiety; they fly with confidence, knowing their schedules will hold and service will meet expectations.
Ultimately, Ibom Air is not just an airline—it is a model of operational excellence in Nigerian aviation. By prioritizing reliability over spectacle, discipline over improvisation, and planning over shortcuts, it sets a benchmark for the industry and a standard for passengers: in the skies, predictability is priceless
Idowu Ayodele – Journalist, Ibadan, Oyo State
0805 889 3736 | megaiconpress@gmail.com
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