The APC administration’s removal of fuel subsidies, followed by price hikes that took petrol from roughly 195 NGN to around 1,300 NGN per liter, has created unprecedented challenges across all sectors in Nigeria.

Before this drastic shift, Nigerians consumed approximately 60 million liters of fuel daily. This high consumption reflected a population reliant on affordable fuel for both personal and commercial activities, including transportation, small-scale businesses, and agricultural operations.

However, post-subsidy removal, consumption plummeted by over 90%, reaching only about 4.5 million liters per day
(PREMIUM TIMES NIGERIA)

This sharp decline underscores the unbearable strain the policy has placed on Nigerian households and businesses, unable to cope with soaring fuel prices, which, in turn, have led to increased costs of food, transportation, and other essential services.

The ripple effect of the APC’s fuel policy on Nigeria’s economy is evident in the surging poverty rate and inflation.

With inflation reaching a high of 34.19% in 2023 and poverty enveloping 129 million Nigerians, the administration’s policies have directly worsened the quality of life for the average Nigerian.

The fuel price hike has escalated transportation costs, making everyday commuting a financial burden for the majority of Nigerians and driving up the prices of goods and services, given the country’s reliance on fuel for logistics.

This has left small and medium-sized businesses, a critical part of the economy, struggling to stay afloat, leading to a downturn in job opportunities and economic instability.

In addition, the government’s approach has severely impacted sectors such as agriculture, where fuel is essential for machinery, irrigation, and transport.

As prices have increased, farmers and vendors find it increasingly difficult to sustain operations, driving food scarcity and price hikes.

In essence, APC’s fuel policies reveal a pattern of neglect for the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

Despite the administration’s claim of fiscal prudence through subsidy removal, the reality on the ground is increased suffering, with more than half the population now facing financial hardship and deepening poverty.

The resulting hardships have eroded public trust, sparking widespread criticism and calls for policy reforms that prioritize the welfare of Nigerian citizens.

It is time we vote out APC Administration in the 2027 election and vote in the PDP which truly cares for the people.

Honourable Yahaya Ability (HYA),
State Vice Chairman and Zonal Chairman Niger North Zone ‘C’ of PDP Niger State.