Did President Tinubu make a Mistake in Eliminating Fuel Subsidy?

President Tinubu’s decision to eliminate the fuel subsidy was a bold and necessary move that must not be reversed under any circumstances. If we allow the fuel subsidy to make a comeback, Nigeria’s potential will remain forever unfulfilled. It is imperative for Nigerians who truly care about their country to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divides and rally behind the President on this critical issue. Whether through protests or not, the return of the fuel subsidy poses a grave threat to our nation’s future. In this instance, I stand firmly with Tinubu.

While electricity subsidies may be reconsidered, they should only be reinstated for a limited duration. Given our national revenue constraints, sustaining both subsidies would inevitably lead us into a cycle of crippling debt. If we continue down this path of borrowing, we risk reaching a point of bankruptcy. And then what? Will we simply protest until our debts are forgiven by China and the West?

The President must remain steadfast and resist any attempts at coercion to reinstate the fuel subsidy. Those orchestrating the protests, such as Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore, are fully aware that reviving the fuel subsidy would devastate our economy—and that’s precisely their goal. They seek to create a narrative to wield against the President come the 2027 election season. For them, this isn’t about patriotism; it’s about personal gain. Both are former presidential candidates who have failed to deliver.

They may have incited the public to protest, but where were they when the streets filled with demonstrators? They bear responsibility for the tragic events that led to the loss of countless lives among the protesters. But that’s a discussion for another time. Today, it is vital for the President to hold his ground and resist any pressure to reinstate the fuel subsidy in any form.