The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s pledge to reinstate fuel subsidy, if elected in 2027, could reverse Nigeria’s recent economic gains and destabilize critical sectors.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in a statement issued by his media adviser, Abimbola Tooki, warned that returning to the subsidy regime would reintroduce fuel queues, threaten workers’ wages, undermine education funding, and strain state finances.
“Subsidy may appear attractive because it promises cheaper petrol, but Nigerians must ask: who pays for it, and what programmes will be sacrificed to finance it?” Yilwatda said.
Key Concerns Raised by APC
Fiscal burden: States previously struggled to pay salaries and pensions under subsidy, but now benefit from higher federal allocations.
Education funding:
The APC warned that subsidy could weaken government capacity to sustain grants and loans, risking disruption in universities.
Minimum wage sustainability: Higher wages must be backed by strong revenues, not costly interventions.
Digital economy progress:
Ongoing reforms have expanded international payment access for freelancers and creators, which could be undermined by fiscal instability.
Yilwatda acknowledged the hardship caused by subsidy removal but argued that reinstating it would be a short-term fix with long-term damage.
He emphasized that Nigeria needs a sustainable economy capable of financing wages, healthcare, education, and infrastructure without relying on “an opaque and expensive subsidy system.”
“Whenever anybody proposes a return to subsidy, Nigerians should ask: how much will it cost, where will the money come from, and for how long can government sustain it?” he added.
Atiku’s proposal has sparked mixed reactions nationwide, with critics warning of fiscal risks while supporters argue it could ease the burden on citizens.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com