Seyi Law, a Nigerian comedian, has expressed his approval of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, despite the struggles it has caused for many.
He believes this action will ultimately benefit the people and should have been taken sooner.
According to Seyi Law, if the subsidy had been lifted in 2012, Nigerians would be in a much better situation today.
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 help Nigerians cope with growing world oil prices. They eventually became a significant financial burden on the government, prompting several attempts at reform or elimination.
In 2012, the government attempted to eliminate the subsidy but was met with strong protests and eventually partially reinstated it.
The removal of the gasoline subsidy has raised fuel prices, resulting in greater transportation expenses and pricing for products and services.
This has disproportionately impacted lower-income households, perhaps leading to increased inflation. However, the government’s action is viewed as a start toward reducing the financial hardship, corruption, and market inefficiencies caused by gasoline subsidies.
Seyi Law has been a staunch supporter of President Tinubu; despite multiple criticisms from online users, the cartoonist has stated that he will not forsake the government he helped bring to power.
He highlighted that he will continue to stand by his decision and work alongside the next administration to shape a better future for the country.
He expressed hope that Nigeria’s economic position will improve.