- Seyi Law emphasized that the fuel subsidy should have been eliminated much earlier.
- He noted that if it had been removed in 2012, during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerians would have already been free from that burden.
Nigerian comedian Seyi Law has commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, despite the challenges it has caused for many citizens.
Seyi Law believes that this move is ultimately beneficial for Nigerians and should have been done earlier.
He thinks that if the fuel subsidy had been removed in 2012, Nigerians would be in a better position by now.
He said:
“Fuel subsidy should have been long gone. If it had gone in 2012 we would have gone through the pain process and by now we would have been healing,” he said.
“In 2012, I was the only celebrity that went on stage to kick against the anti-fuel subsidy movement. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala came out to say that the nation could not afford to pay salaries. “We were borrowing to pay salaries.”
Fuel subsidies were introduced in the 1970s to alleviate the impact of rising global oil prices on Nigerians. Over time, they became a substantial financial burden on the government, leading to various attempts at reform or removal.
In 2012, the government tried to remove the subsidy but faced widespread protests and eventually partially restored it.
The removal of the fuel subsidy has increased fuel prices, leading to higher transportation costs and prices of goods and services.
This has disproportionately affected lower-income households and may lead to higher inflation. However, the government’s decision is seen as a step towards addressing the financial strain, corruption, and market inefficiencies associated with fuel subsidies.
Seyi Law has been a staunch supporter of president Tinubu, despite several criticism from online users, the comic has announced that he will not abandon the govt he helped into power.
He emphasized that he will continue to stand by his decision and do his part in shaping a better future for the country with the help of the new administration.
He voiced hope that Nigeria’s economic situation will improve.