A Simple Case for Fuel Subsidy: Explaining It With a Mango Tree

I support a return to fuel subsidy in Nigeria. This is how I would explain my argument to a Primary Six pupil. Imagine I have a large mango tree that produces plenty of fruit. I would keep some mangoes for my family before selling the rest at the market. In the same way, Nigeria should reserve part of its crude oil production for local refining and domestic use, while exporting the balance for foreign exchange. For example, the government could allocate part of Nigeria’s crude output to local refiners at a reduced price. The refined petrol and other products could then be sold locally at more affordable rates. To me, this would ensure that Nigerians benefit directly from the country’s natural resources. I believe fuel subsidy is one of the few direct benefits ordinary Nigerians receive from government. A country that produces oil should not leave its people unable to afford the products derived from it. Anything less feels like a failure to use our national wealth for the common good.

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