Former Bauchi Governor Calls Subsidy Restoration A Political Bait
Former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda has warned Nigerians to carefully examine promises to restore fuel subsidy, describing such pledges as potentially political bait ahead of the 2027 elections.
Yuguda spoke against the backdrop of a proposal by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to review the current fuel subsidy policy if elected president.
Yuguda Recalls 2009 Subsidy Task Force Experience
Yuguda, who chaired the Federal Government’s Fuel Subsidy Task Force in 2009, said his experience with the system exposed serious irregularities, fraudulent practices and financial leakages.
He argued that the subsidy regime had placed a heavy burden on Nigeria’s finances.
His comments were made at an APC Professionals Forum policy roundtable in Abuja, where the Tinubu administration’s reforms were discussed.
Subsidy Debate Returns Ahead Of 2027
Fuel subsidy remains one of the most politically sensitive economic issues in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu removed the subsidy in 2023, triggering major changes in petrol prices and widespread debate over the impact of the policy on households and businesses.
Atiku has proposed changes to the policy ahead of the 2027 election, while the APC and supporters of the Tinubu administration have defended the subsidy removal as necessary for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability.
What We Know
- Isa Yuguda chaired the 2009 Fuel Subsidy Task Force.
- He says the committee uncovered irregularities and financial leakages.
- He has criticised promises to restore the subsidy ahead of 2027.
What Remains Unclear
- The economic consequences of any future subsidy policy would depend on the specific implementation adopted by a future administration.