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Talking Frankly On Removal Of Fuel Subsidy By Babajide Fadoju 

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Now that subsidy is gone, what is the plan?

Subsidies play a significant role in shaping economic policies in many countries, including Nigeria.

Subsidies are government incentives that aim to support specific industries or sectors by reducing the cost of goods or services.

However, the effect of subsidy removal on the Nigerian economy has been a subject of much debate and analysis.

Subsidies have long been used by the Nigerian government to support various sectors primarily the energy sector.

These subsidies are intended to stimulate economic growth, encourage investment, and alleviate the burden of high costs on consumers.

For instance, fuel subsidies have been implemented to ensure affordable prices for petroleum products, as Nigeria heavily relies on oil for its revenue.

Due to several imports, the subsidy on petrol has to be removed. For one the federal government cannot afford the subsidy payment anymore.

By removing subsidies, the government can redirect its spending towards more productive sectors.

The funds that were previously allocated to subsidies can be channelled into infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and other critical areas that can foster long-term economic growth.

The removal of subsidy is good for the industry; growth will be engendered as several players can now play competitively, efficiency will become the cornerstone to build on and this will aid product delivery to the end users.

The removal of subsidies can promote economic efficiency by allowing market forces to determine prices and allocate resources more effectively.

When subsidies are in place, they can distort market signals, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal resource allocation. By removing subsidies, the government can create an environment that encourages competition and innovation, driving economic growth in the long run.

That is just one way to look at it, according to economic analysts, the removal of subsidies will trigger a temporary spike in inflation as the prices of essential commodities rise. However, over time, the market will adjust to the new price equilibrium, and inflationary pressures may stabilize.

One of the primary concerns surrounding subsidy removal is its impact on low-income households. These households often heavily rely on subsidized goods for their daily needs.

When subsidies are removed, the cost of living may increase, posing challenges for vulnerable segments of society.

To counter this, the government is prepared to review several areas of the fiscal economy. The government is prepared to review the minimum wage and provide palliatives for the most vulnerable.

More importantly, the money recouped from subsidy will be reallocated into infrastructure development and social programs, fostering sustainable economic growth.

It might be hard at first, but we will cross this rubicon and the country will be better for it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When was fuel subsidy removed in Nigeria?

Contrary to popular opinion, the subsidy regime was ended by the assent to the Petroluem Industry Act by the then president, Muhammadu Buhari in February of 2022. However, the nation was not ready and the budgetary allocation continued into May of 2023 – the end of the Buhari administration.

2. How does subsidy removal impact inflation?

Subsidy removal can lead to short-term inflationary pressures as the prices of subsidized goods or services increase. However, over time, the market can adjust to the new price equilibrium, and inflation may stabilize.

3. Are there alternative measures to subsidy removal?

Yes, there are alternative measures that can be considered before resorting to subsidy removal. These include subsidy reforms, targeting subsidies to specific populations, improving subsidy delivery mechanisms, and implementing fiscal consolidation measures.

4. What are the potential social implications of subsidy removal?

Subsidy removal can have social implications, particularly for low-income households. The increased cost of living may pose challenges for vulnerable segments of society. However, by redirecting resources, the government can implement targeted social welfare programs to mitigate the adverse effects.

6. What are the long-term benefits of subsidy removal?

The long-term benefits of subsidy removal include improved fiscal sustainability, increased government revenue, reduced corruption opportunities, economic efficiency, and the reallocation of resources to critical sectors.

BIG STORY

200-Level Student Who Murdered FUNAAB Undergraduate Was Fellow Church Member

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Ayomide Adeleye, a 200-level Philosophy student at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, has been arrested for the kidnapping and murder of Christianah Idowu, a 300-level student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

Adeleye, who knew Christianah from attending the same church in Ogun State, allegedly lured her into his home under the pretense of offering shelter during a heavy rainstorm. He then attempted to assault her, and when she resisted, he killed her.

Following Christianah’s disappearance, Adeleye contacted her family using her phone and demanded a ransom of N3 million. However, his attempt to extort money led to his capture as intelligence officers traced him using his bank details and BVN information provided when he collected the ransom.

The case has sparked outrage, with many calling for swift justice for Christianah and a stronger response to gender-based violence in Nigeria.

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NURTW Boss Koko Zaria Arraigned For Allegedly Assaulting Nollywood Actor Baba Lawori, Granted N2m Bail

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National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman, Koko Zaria, (Ganiyu Oyedepo), has been remanded in prison custody by a Lagos Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly assaulting Nollywood actor, Alhaji Ade Adele, popularly known as Baba Lawori.

Oyedepo was arraigned on Wednesday on charges of conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID).

The prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, a legal officer in the legal department of FCIID, Alagbon, in a charge marked B/40/2024, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 5, 2024, at Idimu, by conspiring with some of his ‘boys’ to assault Adele.

He said in the course of the assault, Oyedepo’s boys, injured Adele in the head with a bottle.

He told the court that the offences committed by the defendant, contravened sections 411; 173 and 168 (l)(d) of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State and punishable under section 168 (2) of the same laws.

The charges read; “That you Ganiyu Oyedepo on or about the June 25, 2024 at Idimu, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, Lagos conspired to commit Felony wit: Assault Occasioning Harm and committed an Offence contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State.”

“That you Oyedepo on the said date unlawfully procured one of your boys (now at large) who unlawfully broke bottle and inflicted injuries on the head of one Alhaji Ade Adele and committed an Offence contrary to Section 173 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015.”

“That you Oyedepo conducted yourself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace when you threatened and procured one of your boys (now at large) to break bottle on the head of Adele and committed an Offence contrary to Section 168 (l)(d) of the Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015 and punishable under Section 168 (2) of thé same Criminal Law Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos state 2015.”

But, Oyedepo (Koko Zaria) denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His lawyers, S. Bello with S. O. Ajetomobi, moved for bail application, saying the charge against their client is a bailable one. They urged the court to grant him bail in the most liberal terms.

Chief Magistrate Sonuga after hearing counsels’ submissions granted Oyedepo bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties, according to the Chief Magistrate, must be of unquestionable character, with evidence of means of livelihood and must be residing within the court’s jurisdiction.

The Chief Magistrate also ordered the sureties to present to court evidence of three years tax, and have their addresses verified.

Chief Magistrate Sonuga, while adjourning the matter to October 29, for mention, however, remanded the defendant in the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) custody, pending the perfection of the bail terms.

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Petrol Price Hike: NANS Insists On Nationwide Protest, Says “We Are Capable Of Holding Government To Ransom”

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vowed to proceed with its planned nationwide protest against the petrol price increase.

NANS Senate President, Henry Okuomo, made this known on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

Okuomo emphasized that the union is capable of holding the government accountable, citing dissatisfaction with the current hardship situation in the country.

He said, “We are not threatening a strike. That is what we are going to do because of the current situation of the country. Nigerians are currently facing a lot. We are facing hardship, and now, the government has increased fuel prices again. This has affected us as students. And as student leaders, we don’t have a choice now but to fight for the people.

“We are occupying one of the largest stakes in the country, having over 40 million Nigerian students in the country.

“With that, we think we should make our voice loud at this time to save the Nigerian people from this undue stress and suffering being put upon them by the government.

“We have determined that on the 15th of this month, no going back. We are hitting the street hard.

‘We are going to demand not only for a reduction in fuel price but for other things that are affecting the nation in general.

‘We are going to do it. We will hit the streets if the government does not reverse most of the hardship policies before then.”

The group earlier called for the reversal of the petrol price and the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

The clarification comes after a factional Senate President of the association, Babatunde Akinteye denied that the group was organising a protest against the increase in petrol price.

Akinteye had called on security agencies to investigate the source of the misinformation.

He said, “We strongly urge the public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard these false reports. The individuals or groups behind these rumours are faceless entities who seek to exploit the name of NANS for their malicious purposes.

“They aim to destabilise the country and create unnecessary tension among citizens. We categorically disassociate ourselves from any such plans or intentions.

“We hereby call on the security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the origin of this misinformation. Those responsible for spreading these falsehoods must be identified and held accountable.

“The use of the NANS name to propagate such dangerous and unfounded claims is not only a threat to national security but also a grave disservice to the millions of students who genuinely seek positive change through legitimate means.

“Furthermore, we urge security agencies to act decisively in apprehending any individuals or groups attempting to use the name of NANS to incite unrest or disrupt the peace of our nation. We must collectively ensure that the integrity of our democratic processes and the rule of law are upheld at all times.

“NANS remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We will continue to pursue this mission through peaceful, lawful, and constructive channels. Let it be known that NANS stands firmly for peace, progress, and the unity of our nation.”

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