Former Minister of Education and World Bank Vice President, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has expressed concern over the implementation of the fuel subsidy removal policy by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Speaking on the economic challenges facing the country, Ezekwesili noted that while subsidy removal is, in principle, a sound and necessary economic reform, the manner in which the policy was executed has brought untold hardship on millions of Nigerians.
According to her, subsidy payments had long been a drain on the national treasury, fueling corruption and inefficiency in the petroleum sector. Removing it, she argued, was the right step in ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long-term economic sustainability.
However, she faulted the government for failing to provide a clear transition plan, social safety nets, and adequate palliative measures that would have cushioned the impact on citizens, particularly low-income earners and small businesses.
Ezekwesili emphasized that leadership is not just about announcing economic policies, but also about carefully managing their consequences on ordinary Nigerians, who are already grappling with inflation, rising transport costs, food insecurity, and unemployment.
She urged the government to immediately adopt targeted interventions such as direct cash transfers, mass transportation support, agricultural incentives, and energy reforms to ensure that the benefits of subsidy removal are felt in the long run.
Her remarks come at a time when public frustration over high fuel prices, unstable power supply, and the rising cost of living has led to protests and calls for accountability from the administration.
The former Minister stressed that while Nigerians understand the importance of reform, they equally deserve leaders who prioritize strategic planning, transparency, and empathy in implementing life-changing policies.
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