By Milcah Tanimu

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has stirred controversy by alleging that the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has expended trillions of naira on subsidizing petrol (PMS) since assuming office in May 2023.

El-Rufai made this assertion during a Capacity Building Workshop on Enhancing Skills of Government Officials in Policy Implementation held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. He stated that despite the government’s attempt to remove fuel subsidies, it has been compelled to reinstate them due to their ineffectiveness, resulting in even higher costs.

According to El-Rufai, the current petrol price, ranging between ₦600 and ₦750 per litre, is artificially low due to the subsidy. He argued that without the subsidy, petrol prices could surpass those of diesel, which currently exceed ₦1,000 per litre in some areas.

While expressing support for the removal of fuel subsidies, El-Rufai highlighted the significant financial burden incurred by the government in subsidizing petrol. He emphasized the need for effective measures to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal on the populace.

El-Rufai’s remarks underscore the challenges associated with fuel subsidies in Nigeria and raise questions about their sustainability. The disclosure of substantial government expenditure on subsidies indicates a pressing need for policy reforms in this area to ensure fiscal sustainability and address economic concerns.