Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has attributed Nigeria’s current troubles to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023. According to Lawal, the abrupt removal of subsidies led to a significant increase in transportation costs, affecting both the wealthy and ordinary citizens who rely on transportation for their businesses.
Lawal criticized the decision, stating that it was made without a functioning cabinet and Federal Executive Council to address the repercussions, leading to Tinubu’s downfall and the nation’s collapse. He shared personal experiences as a farmer, where transportation costs tripled, making it unaffordable to buy animal feed and equipment.
Lawal emphasized that the removal of fuel subsidies without proper planning and consideration for the consequences has led to severe economic challenges for the nation. He described the decision as a “cowboy” approach, stating that it was made without careful consideration of the potential outcomes.
Lawal’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the Nigerian economy and the need for careful planning and consideration in policymaking.