Trending photo of some commercial motorcycle riders in Cameroon demonstrating over President Bola Tinubu’s revocation of fuel subsidies in Nigeria.
The subsidy that has kept fuel costs artificially low, despite the fact that they have been continuously rising over the years, had been attempted ineffectively to be removed by previous governments.
In 2012, a protest known as “Occupy Nigeria” raged for weeks after then-President Goodluck Jonathan attempted to end the subsidy. Tinubu and some other big-weight politicians in the country joined the protest at the time, claiming that such subsidy does not exist.
However, at his inaugural speech on May 29, Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy. In a seemingly off-the-cuff remark during his inaugural speech, Tinubu declared, “the fuel subsidy is gone,” adding that it was unsustainable. The rising costs could not be justified as resources dwindle, he said.
“We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, healthcare, and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions,” Tinubu added.
Long lines immediately started forming at petrol stations after Tinubu’s speech, as Nigerians rushed to stock up on fuel before the impending jump in prices. Tinubu’s office was later forced to issue a statement clarifying that the subsidy would end by June 30, but that did not stop some filling stations from selling at higher prices.
Shortly after the announcement was made, state-owned oil firm Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) confirmed that there’s been an adjustment in the retail price of fuel in the country. The adjustment saw fuel sell at above N450 in some states in the country.
Days after NNPC confirmed that fuel subsidy has indeed been removed, some commercial motorcyclists in Garoua, Cameroon, protested against the development. They expressed their dissatisfaction in a blend of Fulfulde and French, criticizing President Tinubu.
The video which went viral shortly after it was shared, has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians. It also lends credence to claims of Nigeria’s subsidized fuel being stolen and taken to other countries where they are resold for more profit.
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