Abuja lawyer and rights advocate Maduabuchi O. Idam has written to the Presidency and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation demanding details of the savings made by the government since the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023.
Idam in the letter February 5, 2024 letter observed that the fuel subsidy removal has caused untold hardship on average Nigerians and that palliative measures by the government have been inadequate. He is therefore requesting details of the subsidy savings made so far and any projects commissioned as a result of the accrued savings.
Asserting that that his request is premised on ensuring transparency and accountability on the part of the government regarding the subsidy savings, Idam gave a 7-day ultimatum for the information to be provided as required by the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
He said the details on projects commissioned with the subsidy savings are needed to ascertain if Nigerians are getting any relief from the money saved.
It will be recalled that the Tinubu administration on May 29, 2023 announced the removal of fuel subsidy after over 2 decades of paying billions annually to subsidise petrol.
The removal resulted in over 100% increase in pump price of fuel amid widespread public outcry. Analysts say information on how much has been saved and how it has been utilized will show if the objectives of the subsidy removal are being met.
Read the full text of his letter here.
Idam-Esq-writes-Presidency