Lawyer Writes Presidency & Accountant General, Demands Details On Fuel Subsidy Savings & Projects Funded By Subsidy Removal
A human rights lawyer, Maduabuchi O. Idam has written to the Presidency and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation requesting details on the savings made by the government since the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023.
In the letter dated February 5, 2024, Mr Idam said the fuel subsidy removal has caused untold hardship on average Nigerians and that palliative measures by the government have been inadequate. He is therefore requesting details of the subsidy savings made so far and any projects commissioned as a result of the accrued savings.
The lawyer gave a 7-day ultimatum for the information to be provided as required by the Freedom of Information Act 2011. He said the details on projects commissioned with the subsidy savings are needed to ascertain if Nigerians are getting any relief from the money saved.
The Tinubu administration had on May 29, 2023 announced the removal of fuel subsidy after over 2 decades of paying billions annually to subsidise petrol. The removal resulted in over 100% increase in pump price of fuel amid widespread public outcry.
Mr Idam stated that his request is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability on the part of the government regarding the subsidy savings. Analysts say information on how much has been saved and how it has been utilized will show if the objectives of the subsidy removal are being met.
