Mr Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has issued a challenge to the federal government of Nigeria, urging them to either confirm or deny the restoration of the petrol subsidy.
It is worth recalling that during the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, he made an announcement regarding the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Following this development, the living conditions of Nigerians have significantly worsened, leading to a decline in citizens’ disposable income. The inflationary impact of this decision is exacerbating the challenges faced by the people.
In a statement made on Sunday, Falana referred to revelations by Robert Dickerman, the Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil, who claimed at a conference in Abuja that the federal government still disburses N1 trillion monthly for petrol subsidy.
The human rights activist expressed discontent, asserting that instead of subjecting Nigerians to endure the hardships resulting from the removal of petrol subsidies, the president should be transparent about the state of the economic policy.
“During his inauguration on May 29, 2003, President Bola Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidies and total deregulation of petroleum products. But at the recently concluded Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) held in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Robert Dickerman revealed that the Nigerian Government still pays N1 trillion every month for petrol subsidy,” the statement reads.
“Mr. Dickerman, who made the disclosure while participating in a panel discussion, disclosed that a significant subsidy is still in place, adding that this has contributed to the affordable price of the product and potentially fueling smuggling activities to neighbouring countries.
“On its own part, the World Bank has alleged partial return of fuel subsidy in a report presented in Abuja last December. In justifying its claim then, the World Bank said that based on the official exchange rate then, the petrol should sell for around N750 per litre and not the N650 currently being paid by Nigerians.
“Curiously, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited has not deemed it fit to deny the serious allegation that fuel subsidy has been restored. Since there is no provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 and 2024 Appropriation Acts, the federal government should, without any further delay, confirm or deny the serious allegation and end the opacity surrounding the importation of fuel from foreign countries.”
Falana also cited a February 2024 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) advising the Nigerian government to completely phase out petrol and electricity subsidies in the country despite the president’s announcement.