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FUEL SUBSIDY AND PRICE CONTROL- SOLUTION TO ECONOMIC HARDSHIP IN NIGERIA

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FUEL SUBSIDY AND PRICE CONTROL- SOLUTION TO ECONOMIC HARDSHIP IN NIGERIA

By: Victor Emejuiwe

No sane government should watch its citizens suffer untold hardship and live in poverty. The primary responsibility of government is to protect the life’s and to secure the welfare of the people. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu spontaneously announced the removal of fuel subsidy on the day of its inauguration without considering the attendant consequences of such a decision. In fairness to the removal, the amount of money claimed to be payment of subsidy in Nigeria was quite humongous from N300 billion during the Good Luck Jonathan administration in 2012, to N2.7 trillion in 2022. However, beyond the doubt as to the authenticity of the real value paid on subsidy, the secrecy and corruption associated with the entire subsidy regime was very un-palatable. It was as a result of this, that many Nigerians canvassed for the removal of subsidy. Nevertheless, there are some other school of thought who believes that the government was not sincere on its own part due to the lack of transparency and accountability in petrol consumption and subsidy payment. Also, even where several reports indicting subsidy saboteurs were released, the federal government did nothing to investigate and prosecute those who were accused of corruptly enriching themselves from the subsidy payments. Therefore, the payment of subsidy on its own was not the problem but the willingness of government to come clean with its transaction on subsidy payment and muster the political will to pervert corruption amongst the stakeholders was the major problem. The view on re-introduction of subsidy becomes necessary given the fact that payment of subsidy is a common global practice by governments all over the world. It is taken to ameliorate hardship faced by majority of citizens in the purchase of very expensive commodities. In this case, Nigeria being a mono-economy driven by sales of crude oil, has made the price of every other commodities reflective in the rise or fall in the price of crude oil. The subsidy regime cushioned a lot of hardship amongst Nigerian in the past and with its removal today, Nigerians have not been able to recover from the effect, as we can witness the continuous increase in the prices of all commodities in Nigeria. Most workers do not report to work on a daily basis, some business closed shops and the general standard of living has reduced. Couple with this fact, is government inactiveness in controlling the hike in the prices of locally produced commodities. The lack of a price stabilization and mechanization control which was hitherto implemented in the 70’s have made it possible for middle men to determine the prices of commodities in the market. The practice of the middle men is to acquire these goods from the dealers and hoard them so as to create scarcity and speculate a market price before they sell, with wide profit margin. If government enforce the price control Act as ordered recently by the federal high court on goods and commodities that are locally produced in Nigeria, the hoarders and speculators would run out of business and food items and other commodities would be available at the normal rate. The lack of a price control mechanism is what led to the failure of most government policies on agriculture. It is so unfortunate that the past government of President Muhammed Buhari, made efforts to encourage local production of food commodities such as rice and even provided subsidies to farmers to embark on local rice production, but instead of having the price of rice reduced, it rather led to more than 200 percent increase in the price of rice. Rice which was sold for N9600 before the ban on imported rice, skyrocket to N19,800, at a point, it rose to N36,000 and the government could not do anything to stop the hike. Under this present administration, a bag of rice sells for N77,000. It is an anomaly for government to provide incentives to local producers of commodities and at the same time, do not have control of the market price.
In light of the above, in the interim, the Federal Government should re-introduce subsidy on petrol and diesel under a more transparent regime and deal with saboteurs who divert the products to other countries and in the long run, the Federal government should get our refineries working at optimum capacity so that any attempt to remove subsidy on petrol and diesel will not have much impact on the price on petrol. Also, a list of commodities and items produced locally should be established and the market price should be determined under a price control, stabilization and mechanization regime. The government should enforce the laws and policy on price control. Finally, for resource mobilization, the government should stop oil theft so that more resources can be generated from crude oil and this would help us pay for the subsidy on petrol and also pay for the functionality of our refineries.

*Victor Emejuiwe
Monitoring and Evaluation/Strategic Communication Manager
Centre for Social Justice.
Abuja
08068262366

FUEL SUBSIDY AND PRICE CONTROL- SOLUTION TO ECONOMIC HARDSHIP IN NIGERIA

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KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe

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KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended the newly appointed Acting Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, for what it described as his zeal, competence and commitment to driving the policies and programmes of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Damaturu by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, the association said Dr. Goje’s appointment had generated widespread positive reactions across Yobe State, especially among residents familiar with his performance as former Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

KACRAN described the appointment as timely and well-deserved, noting that Dr. Goje distinguished himself through sacrifice, loyalty and dedication to humanitarian service while at SEMA.

The association particularly recalled his role in coordinating relief and support for victims of flooding in Maiduguri and parts of Yobe State, saying his response demonstrated leadership capacity and ability to deliver under pressure.

According to the statement, the large turnout of Permanent Secretaries, Directors, traditional representatives, Special Advisers, security personnel, journalists, SEMA staff and other well-wishers during his assumption of office reflected the confidence many stakeholders have in his leadership.

“KACRAN is impressed by the smooth transition and the immediate positive energy Dr. Goje has brought to the Office of the SSG,” Bello stated.

“From his articulate remarks during the handover to his engagements within the first week in office, he has shown he understands the task ahead and is ready to sacrifice his time and effort to ensure Governor Buni’s policies are implemented effectively.”

The association added that Dr. Goje’s previous working relationship with the Governor’s Office and former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, had equipped him with the experience needed to coordinate government activities effectively.

KACRAN further praised his consultative leadership style, citing his engagements with commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors and other critical stakeholders as evidence of his readiness to foster collaboration and improve governance.

The association also commended Governor Buni for appointing what it termed a committed and experienced public servant capable of supporting the administration’s development agenda and campaign promises.

In the same vein, KACRAN applauded the Yobe State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, for efforts aimed at reforming and strengthening the state civil service through training and capacity-building programmes.

The association specifically hailed the ongoing training of Yobe teachers in Kaduna, describing it as a strategic investment toward improving the quality of education in the state.

KACRAN reaffirmed its support for policies and initiatives geared toward promoting good governance, security and the welfare of pastoralists and other citizens, while pledging continued partnership with the Yobe State Government in advancing development objectives

KACRAN Applauds Dr. Goje’s Commitment to Advancing Buni’s Policies in Yobe

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Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

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Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Sunday visited Bama town in the state to sympathise with victims of a devastating windstorm that destroyed hundreds of homes and claimed lives in the community.

The governor, who travelled to the affected area alongside top government officials, announced immediate relief measures for victims, including a cash donation of N500,000 to each family that lost a relative in the disaster.

Zulum was accompanied on the visit by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bukar Talba, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Malumbe, former commissioners and other senior government officials.

Addressing residents during the visit, the governor directed an immediate assessment of the scale of destruction caused by the windstorm, assuring affected households that government assistance would be provided according to the level of damage suffered.

The disaster, which swept through parts of Bama town, reportedly destroyed rooftops, buildings and other properties, leaving many residents homeless and vulnerable.

Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Babagana Barma, disclosed that no fewer than 1,200 houses were affected by the storm, while four persons lost their lives.

Zulum described the incident as unfortunate and expressed condolences to bereaved families, assuring them that the state government would continue to stand by victims during the difficult period.

The governor, however, used the occasion to raise concerns over environmental degradation, warning residents against indiscriminate tree felling, which he identified as a major contributor to the increasing occurrence of windstorms and ecological disasters in the region.

“We must stop cutting down trees arbitrarily. This is a key factor behind the increasing intensity of storms and ecological challenges we face. We already have laws on the ground, and there is a need to ensure that we fully implement them,” he said.

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that deforestation and desert encroachment remain major threats in many parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in states within the Sahel region, where changing climate patterns have continued to worsen flooding, erosion and wind-related disasters.

Borno State has in recent years intensified campaigns on environmental protection and tree planting as part of broader efforts to combat desertification and climate-related challenges.

During the visit, Zulum also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safe return of displaced persons currently residing in Internally Displaced Persons camps across the state.

He assured residents that government would continue to pursue policies aimed at restoring communities devastated by years of insurgency and humanitarian crises.

Bama, one of the communities worst affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, has continued to witness gradual reconstruction and resettlement efforts under the present administration, despite recurring security and environmental challenges.

Zulum Visits Bama Windstorm Victims, Approves Relief for Bereaved Families

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UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth

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UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth

By: Michael Mike

Members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) have called on Nigerians to embrace positive thinking, patriotism and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for national transformation and sustainable development.

The association made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 2026 Annual National Re-union held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, between May 8 and May 10.

The conference, themed “The Potential Within Nigeria: Positive Mindset and Communication for Success,” brought together Muslim professionals, academics, business leaders and alumni from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting national development, education, governance and economic growth.

The communiqué, signed by the National President of the association, Mohamed Buari, and the National Secretary, Sefiu Ikudaisi, stressed that Nigeria possesses abundant human and material resources capable of transforming the country into a global economic and political force if citizens adopt the right mindset and attitudes.

According to the association, negative narratives, disunity and poor value orientation have continued to undermine the country’s enormous potential.

It noted that Islam encourages development, innovation and the pursuit of knowledge capable of improving the quality of life, provided such advancements remain within the ethical boundaries prescribed by the religion.

The conference commenced with a special Jumat service at the OAU Central Mosque of Unity and a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, and other principal officers of the institution.

During the visit, discussions centred on issues of mutual interest, with the university management reportedly commending the association for its contributions to the growth and development of the institution.

A major highlight of the reunion was the presentation of scholarships worth N14.6 million to 140 students of the university as part of the association’s welfare and educational support programme.

UNIFEMGA disclosed that since the introduction of the scholarship initiative in the 2009/2010 academic session, it has disbursed over N103.4 million to 1,148 students of the institution.

The association also launched a N200 million endowment fund targeted at supporting widows and orphans of members under its welfare scheme.

The event featured a networking dinner sponsored by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, Rafiu Ebiti, focusing on value-driven entrepreneurship and investment opportunities.

The reunion lecture was delivered by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy Group, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, chaired the occasion.

Also in attendance were representatives of the Osun State Government, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, Bello Adeniyi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Adejare Bello.

The association expressed concern over the growing challenges confronting tertiary education in Nigeria, including brain drain, obsolete learning equipment, unstable academic calendars and outdated curricula.

It urged the government to urgently address the problems and transform the current “japa” trend into an opportunity for “brain gain” capable of enhancing national productivity and innovation.

UNIFEMGA further called for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector to ensure sustainable research, innovation and technological advancement.

On the economy, the association urged governments at all levels to create an enabling business environment through improved electricity supply, infrastructure development and investment in human capital.

It also stressed the need to tackle unemployment, warning that many jobless youths are vulnerable to manipulation by individuals promoting violence and instability.

The association said that a positive national mindset remains the foundation for building a prosperous and united Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace values that promote peace, productivity, discipline and national cohesion.

UNIFEMGA Urges Positive Mindset, National Unity as Key to Nigeria’s Growth

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