Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described fuel subsidy as a “criminal component” that needs to be addressed decisively to overcome Nigeria’s current challenges. He believes that the main problem facing Nigeria is corruption, which negatively impacts productivity.
Obi stated that if elected, he would reduce 50% of the subsidy currently being paid and remove the criminal elements associated with it. He emphasized the need for transparency and openness in handling the subsidy issue and asserted that the funds saved from subsidy removal would be used to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other sectors.
This comes in the wake of the controversial decision by the government to remove fuel subsidy, which has led to increased fuel and food prices and caused hardships for many Nigerians. Peter Obi’s stance suggests that he sees addressing fuel subsidy as a key step in improving the country’s economic situation and providing much-needed funding for essential services.