Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has questioned the benefits Nigerians have received since President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed the petrol subsidy.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Falana called on Nigerians to demand greater accountability from the Federal, state and local governments over the use of increased public revenue following the subsidy removal.
The senior lawyer argued that the additional funds available to governments should be reflected in improved infrastructure and better living conditions for citizens.
Falana recalled that state governments previously carried out repairs on federal roads and subsequently sought reimbursement from the Federal Government.
He cautioned against a return to what he described as the era of fuel subsidy fraud, insisting that Nigerians deserve a clear explanation of how the savings and additional revenues generated after subsidy removal are being utilised.
“Where are they? We must begin to ask questions of the local government, the state government and the Nigerian government,” Falana said.
He maintained that claims that the country is generating more revenue would mean little to citizens if the increased resources do not translate into tangible improvements in their lives.
Falana also rejected calls for Nigerians to continue waiting for the benefits of the policy, stressing that the hardship faced by citizens requires urgent attention.
“If you say we are making more money, we don’t want to go back to the era of the fuel subsidy scam. Where are the benefits? It’s a fallacy being told to wait and wait and wait. People are dying,” he said.
The lawyer’s comments come amid continued debate over the economic impact of the subsidy removal, with Nigerians facing concerns over living costs and the adequacy of government interventions.
