Two contributors on the Standpoint programme, Comrade Haruna Usman and Comrade Lanre Osho, have called on the Federal Government to review the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians, particularly its effect on the cost of living.

Speaking on the programme hosted by Bukola Omosewo, Usman said he disagreed with the argument that subsidy had to be removed because some individuals were allegedly benefiting from it. He argued that the government should instead identify and block the loopholes responsible for the abuse of the subsidy system without shifting the burden to ordinary Nigerians.

Usman noted that higher fuel prices have contributed to increased costs of goods and services. He also questioned how the funds saved from subsidy removal were being utilised and what tangible benefits Nigerians were receiving. He called for policies that directly improve citizens’ welfare rather than relying mainly on relief measures such as food distribution.

Osho, who said he respected activist Omoyele Sowore, also questioned the benefits Nigerians have gained from subsidy removal. He recalled that concerns over the financial burden of fuel subsidy had been raised under previous administrations, including during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.

According to Osho, alleged malpractice in the petroleum sector should be addressed by identifying and sanctioning those responsible, rather than allowing the consequences to affect the wider population. He urged the government to tackle the root causes of the problem while protecting ordinary Nigerians from further economic hardship.