The Presidency has refuted allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claimed that the government had secretly allocated N5.4 trillion for fuel subsidies in 2024.
Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of contradicting its public stance on subsidy removal. However, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, reaffirmed that the fuel subsidy regime has ended and no such allocation was made.
Onanuga emphasized the government’s commitment to mitigating the economic impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians, particularly through measures addressing transportation costs and food inflation.
The government remains dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and eliminating unproductive subsidies.
Atiku maintained his stance, accusing the administration of diverting public funds through secret subsidy payments and lacking transparency.
He pointed to contradictory statements from government officials and reports from the World Bank and IMF as evidence of ongoing subsidy payments. Atiku urged the President to provide clear information on the subsidy issue, warning that inconsistent policies and lack of transparency could deter foreign investment.
The debate highlights the contentious nature of fuel subsidy policies in Nigeria and their significant economic and political implications.
The government remains firm on subsidy removal, while opposition voices continue to call for greater transparency and accountability in public financial management.
