Let’s Return Subsidy: Let Nigerians Breathe
To the Noble Leaders of Nigeria,With a heart heavy and hopeful, I pen this letter as both a student and a patriot, deeply moved by the unfolding tragedy that shadows our beloved nation. The unrest and despair that now engulf our land speak volumes of the pain millions of our fellow Nigerians endure daily. I write to implore you to consider the profound wisdom of history, the agony of our people, and the call for justice and reform.
A Legacy Tarnished and a Nation in Crisis
The saga of fuel subsidies in Nigeria began with noble intentions, a guiding light of hope amid economic uncertainty. Established in 1977 under the Price Control Act, these subsidies were meant to shelter our people from the storm of fluctuating fuel prices. Yet, what began as a gesture of care has, over time, become a crucible of corruption and mismanagement.
President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to abolish the subsidy, while aimed at addressing the unsustainable financial burden, has ignited a conflagration of suffering. The abrupt rise of petrol prices by over 200% has sent shockwaves through our society, shattering the fragile equilibrium of many families and leading to violent protests and profound anguish. As the philosopher Khalil Gibran once said, “The pain you feel is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.” We are witnessing this very pain, an outcry for a deeper understanding and a more compassionate governance.
The Harsh Reality: A Web of Distress
1. Financial Strain and Corruption: The soaring costs of fuel subsidies have become a Sisyphean burden on our economy, with projections pointing to an alarming N5.4 trillion by the end of 2024. This fiscal strain diverts resources from essential services and exacerbates the suffering of the poor. The corruption that plagues this system has turned a lifeline into a leech on our nation’s vitality, draining our resources and eroding trust.
2. Economic Distortions and Inequality: Fuel subsidies have distorted our economic landscape, creating inefficiencies that benefit the affluent while leaving the less fortunate to struggle with inflated costs for kerosene and diesel. The smuggling of subsidized fuel has further crippled our economy, revealing a stark injustice that echoes the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Our service to the people is marred by misallocation and dishonesty.
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3. Investment Stagnation and Environmental Disregard: The subsidy regime has stifled investment in our oil sector and contradicted our commitment to combat climate change. Nigeria’s potential for renewable energy remains untapped as we cling to an outdated model. As Albert Einstein wisely noted, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” It is time to embrace a new paradigm that aligns with our environmental goals and economic needs.
A Call for Redemption and Renewal
1. Reinstating Subsidy with Integrity: The reinstatement of the fuel subsidy, if executed with integrity and reform, could provide a crucial lifeline to our struggling populace. Let us transform this mechanism into a transparent system that truly serves the needy, guided by the principle that “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him no good” (Samuel Johnson).
2. Eradicating Corruption with Resolve: To reclaim the trust of our people, we must act with unwavering resolve against corruption. This requires not only transparency but also the courage to punish wrongdoers and close the loopholes that facilitate deceit. Justice must be served with both severity and compassion, reflecting the belief that “Justice delayed is justice denied” (William E. Gladstone).
3. Investing in Local Solutions and Sustainable Energy: We must redirect our focus towards local refining and renewable energy investments. By doing so, we align our actions with the wisdom of Leonardo da Vinci: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Simplifying our energy sector can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
4. Providing Effective Relief: While reinstating the subsidy, let us ensure that palliatives are genuinely effective and reach those in dire need. This requires a meticulous approach, underscoring the truth that “The best way to predict your future is to create it” (Peter Drucker). Let us create a future where aid is impactful and transformative.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The removal of the fuel subsidy, though a necessary step, has led to unprecedented hardship. By reinstating the subsidy with reforms, enhancing anti-corruption measures, and investing in sustainable solutions, we can address the immediate suffering while paving the way for a brighter future.
As we navigate these turbulent waters, let the enduring principles of fairness, transparency, and empathy guide us. Our challenges are not merely economic but deeply human, calling for wisdom and compassion that transcends mere policy and touches the essence of our shared humanity.
Let us act decisively, not just to alleviate pain, but to heal and uplift the very soul of Nigeria. For in every challenge lies an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to justice and the welfare of our people.
Yours sincerely,
Ibraheem Ladi Amosa
