Femi Falana, said the minister of power is acting the script of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank following a hike in electricity tariff.
He said, “The Honourable Minister of Power is acting the script of the IMF and the World Bank.
“Those two agencies insisted and they continue to insist that the government of Nigeria must remove all subsidies. Fuel subsidy, electricity subsidy and what have you; all social services must be commercialised and priced beyond the reach of the majority of Nigerians.
“So, the government cannot afford to protect the interest of Nigerians where you are implementing the neoliberal policies of the Bretton Wood institutions.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria criticized Western countries, particularly the United States of America, for practicing double standards.
According to Falana, they provide support for agriculture, energy, and fuel through subsidies, as well as offering grants and loans to needy students, all while advising the Nigerian government against implementing similar measures for its people.
Key points from Femi Falana’s argument include:
– The IMF and World Bank are pushing for the removal of all subsidies, including fuel and electricity, as a condition for their support.
– The government’s capitulation to these international financial institutions has resulted in the implementation of policies that are detrimental to the majority of Nigerians, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
– The government cannot afford to protect the interest of Nigerians where you are implementing the neoliberal policies of the Bretton Wood institutions.
– Western nations, particularly the United States of America, are practicing double standards by providing subsidies for agriculture, energy, and fuel, as well as offering grants and loans to needy students, all while advising the Nigerian government against implementing similar measures for its people.