Nigeria Must Not Return to Petrol Subsidy, but Government Must Show the Gains

I understand why Nigerians are hurting after subsidy removal. The transition has been difficult, but hardship does not make the former petrol subsidy system sustainable. Bringing it back would again force government to spend huge public funds keeping pump prices artificially low, at the expense of roads, schools, healthcare, power and security. Nigeria has tried this for decades. The policy drained public revenue, disproportionately benefited high-volume consumers and created incentives for diversion and cross-border smuggling. There is no version of cheap petrol where nobody pays; the cost is simply shifted to public debt, reduced services or higher inflation. However, rejecting a return to subsidy does not mean accepting poor implementation or a lack of accountability. Nigerians deserve clear evidence of where the savings and increased revenues are going. The real test is whether people can see better roads, reliable power, improved public transport, stronger schools and hospitals, and meaningful support for vulnerable households. The government must move from economic stabilisation to visible delivery. Politicians can rightly criticise implementation and demand accountability, but restoring an unsustainable subsidy system is not a lasting solution. The priority should be to protect vulnerable Nigerians, invest wisely and ensure the sacrifice produces tangible benefits.

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