By Bukar Mohammed
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there is an urgency that can not be overstated— the need to show Nigerians tangible results from the removal of the fuel subsidy. While many applauded the bold move to end the subsidy, believing it would free up resources for national development, Nigerians are growing restless. They do not see the concrete benefits from this sacrifice, in spite of trillions of naira of Federation Account revenue shared monthly amongst the three tiers of government.
So far, there has been no clear sign of how these funds are being invested to improve the economy or the everyday live of the citizens. Where is the enabling environment that was promised? The reality on the ground tells a different story, as Nigerians struggle with soaring inflation, a volatile currency, and dwindling standards of living.
Without clear evidence of positive outcomes, patience is thinning out. The removal of the fuel subsidy was supposed to help stabilize the naira, create jobs, and provide infrastructure—but these goals remain elusive. What has been achieved? Which ministries can we point to as success stories?
At present, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), under its able leadership, is one of the few bright spots, efficiently managing revenue collection and implementing reforms. Another agency performing is the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). But outside of these two agencies, the “star” ministers in this administration are hard to find. Many ministries seem to be running on autopilot, with no significant impact to show for the massive funds freed from the subsidy removal.
Mr. President, Nigerians are not asking for miracles, but they expect transparency. If the subsidy savings are being used to stabilize the naira, the public deserves to see the mechanisms at play. A stabilized dollar exchange rate has a multiplier effect that can lower the cost of goods, improve purchasing power, and raise living standards across the board. But without this stability, the hardship persists, and Nigerians are not seeing a return on their sacrifices.
The silence from your administration, asking Nigerians to “calm down” without showing them the progress being made, is dangerous. This silence is a ticking time bomb. It would be unwise to mistake the patience of Nigerians for ignorance or indifference. The people are watching closely, and their expectations are clear—they want to see the fruits of their sacrifices.
Time is running out to reassure Nigerians that the subsidy removal was not a hollow promise. Mr. President, you must urgently show your people that you are steering this ship in the right direction before the ticking bomb of frustration explodes.
Bukar Mohammed is public analyst based in Kano
