The Nigerian government has shed light on why President Bola Tinubu is keeping fuel subsidy abolished. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications, stated during a Channels Television program that the decision stems from widespread fraud in the petroleum sector.
According to Bwala, the previous subsidy system primarily benefited dishonest individuals rather than ordinary citizens. He emphasized that non-Nigerians were among those exploiting the regime.
Bwala clarified that the administration is not opposed to subsidies in principle, pointing to existing subsidies on dialysis at 50% and support in agriculture. He described President Tinubu’s leadership as flexible, noting that if a genuine need for subsidy arises, the government could consider it.
The presidential aide also highlighted that state governors across Nigeria have welcomed the subsidy removal due to increased revenues for their states.