Fuel subsidy removal: The way forward

T    HE cry in Nigeria presently is as a result of the increase in fuel price. However, it is important we come to terms with the dynamics of development, which are always in stages, and which require sacrifice and patience.

I am not saying the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has put in its best, or is working at a pace expected by most Nigerians, but this does not erode the fact that we have experienced improvements in some quarters.

The removal of the subsidy, no doubt, will cause some hardship by virtue of inflation, especially on the cost of transportation, commodities, daily expenses, school fees, rent, among others, which have all skyrocketed. Howbeit, if the subsidy funds being previously paid to oil marketers are well-utilised and accounted for, the long term effect would bring relief to the people.

Now, having removed the subsidy, more is expected of this administration to provide succour for the people.

The government should be more responsive, amenable to the citizens’ needs, particularly by prioritising the following:

The provision of effective rail system: This is cheaper to run for the people and many would prefer to go on the train than going in their private cars.

Construction and maintenance of good roads: This will jettison the idea of Nigerians buying big cars which are generally not fuel-efficient, compared to small cars which are cost and fuel-efficient.

Steady power supply: This will reduce the demand for fuel for generators and will encourage more entrepreneurial skills to be acquired and business ventures to be established. It is a common knowledge that virtually every business needs energy to keep functioning.

Diversification of economy: Unfortunately, this is no longer news since the price of oil is going down drastically in the international market; there is now a clarion call for investment in other sectors, such as the agricultural and solid minerals sectors.

Education: This is a golden key to eradicating poverty. According to President Barack Obama and the late Nelson Mandela, education is a weapon of change in any society. Our government needs to restructure our educational system and make it affordable and compulsory for everyone, at least, to secondary school level.

Repositioning and restructuring of the economy and politics of Nigeria: This is germane in rebuilding Nigeria as a whole. Power should be regionalised and geo-political zones decentralised. Things must begin to be done in a new way, that is, there must be paradigm shift for Nigeria to actualise the long-awaited change.

Conclusively, followers should embrace and imbibe the principle of prayer and patience, which are cornerstones of development. Impatience is not a virtue and we should not under play the efficacy of prayers in supporting our leaders and directing them aright.