SIR: I write this article conscious of the stark realities on the ground now. The realities are somewhat those of momentary aura of an automatic heightened suffering. These sufferings are pervading the landscape of Nigeria now. None is spared.
On this subsidy of a thing, do you really know what and what are involved? The red-hot issues are herein served.
Every month – I mean, every other 30 days, you and I compulsorily shell out about N400billion as subsidy payment from our national coffers to a few musketeers. This huge sum is shared by less than 20 people in the name of monopolists who import the fuel we consume as end users. They choose what to quote in their invoices. Government pays.
Yes, government pays that huge sum of money and still we pay as much as #250 per litre of fuel on the same subsidized commodity.
State governments do not get as much as each of the subsidy racketeers go home with every month! Yet, states provide services but these monopolists only smile to their banks. The poor therefore sustains the very rich few. Government is held hostage and even blackmailed to continue wasting our resources on the fraud.
Akinwunmi Adesina, the African Development Bank (AfDB ) President, in the recent Presidential Inauguration Lecture stated that in 2022, Nigeria spent $10B on fuel subsidy alone!
Can you imagine that? Now, for how long do we go on like that? Borrowing to sustain fraud? Borrowing funds we really do not need?
Nigeria is about being salvaged from years of subsidy cankerworms. The solid foundations have been laid. Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) laid the solid foundations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is executing it. Yes, modular refineries have been built across the nation. Imo State has one at Ohaji/Egbema. The recently commissioned Dangote Refinery – a single Train Petroleum Refinery – the largest in the world – comes in handy to provide remedies. That is one loud legacy and expression of determination of the Buhari government to save Nigeria from fuel subsidy fraud!
A decisive president – someone who has no godfather(s) – is now on the saddle, like his predecessor. His straight-cut commitment to liberate Nigeria from the clutches of subsidy fraudsters was an immediate one. He said it on the same platform he took oath of office. He said it looking up and not blinking. “Subsidy is gone”, he said. Determination is not ever less emphatic.
It’s best for everyone to sit up now.
But I look forward with a RENEWED HOPE for some better transportation system. Yes, here in Nigeria. The trillions of Naira pilfered yearly and now saved from an unappreciated and ineffective subsidy regime will do it for us.
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Imo State government has already responsibly reacted. A new computerized Mass Transit Scheme is on the offing. Governor Hope Uzodimma knows what leadership is all about. The new SA to the Governor on Mass Transit, Hon Anthony Anyaehie (Shark) spoke to the press last week on the new audacious goal to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on Imo people, even up to the rural areas. That intervention is most welcomed now.
The only way we can have underground trains and air-conditioned commuter buses as I read and watch on TV about Europe and the Americas should be by making this type of hard decisions. And bearing the necessary pains and sufferings associated with a necessary reform like this.
Our posterity must not suffer like us. God forbid! Let Nigeria be free from our shylock subsidy racketeers.
I mean, how can Nigeria continue on the same path we all rue about?
These are the issues. It’s not about the rigmarole of activism. It’s not about the usual angst but about the necessity for a new acculturation to make our tomorrow better than today. Remedies come with pains. Let’s suffer small now, necessarily, to enjoy tomorrow.
The truth is that, over time, enhanced efficiency and competitiveness amongst the modular refineries and the new Dangote refinery will force down the pump price.
Then, we all will have a better lease of life.
•Stanford Arinze Nwokedi,
Owerri, Imo State.