Fuel Subsidy: Lagosians Decry Govt. Plan 

A cross-section of Lagos residents on Friday decried Federal Government’s plan to remove the subsidy on petroleum products by 2012.
 
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), residents said the removal would further worsen the economic situation in the country.
 
They also warned that the nation could be thrown into disorder if the issue of subsidy was not carefully addressed by the government.
 
Mr Abiodun Babatunde, a retired civil servant, observed that with the present economic hardship in the country, “removal of fuel subsidy was uncalled for”.
 
Babatunde said that removal of fuel subsidy would lead to cost increases in all sectors of the economy.
 
“Removing the fuel subsidy will not help the low income earners because transporters will definitely take advantage of it to hike transport fare,” he said.
 
Also, a 45-year-old businessman, Mr Emeka Ogbonna was of the opinion that the government should focus on provision of security, basic infrastructure and creation of employment opportunities rather than removal of the fuel subsidy.

  “I believe what would have been the focal point of this present administration should be security, power supply and job creation.

“Any government which thinks of removing the fuel subsidy at this critical time, when the economy is in shambles, does not mean well for this our great country,’’ Ogbonna stated.

Mrs Abosede Fatai, a petty trader, said that the removal of subsidy would not allow the masses to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
 
“The government should at least allow the masses to feel the impact of democracy through the provision of adequate infrastructure before thinking of removing fuel subsidy,” Fatai said.

An artisan, Mr Nureedeen Adebowale, said that the removal would lead to closure of many cottage industries since they might not be able to cope with the possible increases in prices of basic materials.

Adebowale noted that the situation would lead to increase in crime rate as many people might be thrown out of their jobs.

“Even now, I still do not understand the meaning of fuel subsidy, government should embark on adequate public enlightenment on the implications ahead of time,’’ he said.