Tinubu’s Criticism of Jonathan Regarding the Removal of Petrol Subsidies: A Policy Shift.

Back in 2012, Bola Tinubu, who was then the leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), vehemently criticized President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to abolish the petrol subsidy. He referred to this policy as a “Jonathan tax,” accusing the government of unfairly burdening Nigerians. Continue Reading >>>

Tinubu argued that eliminating the subsidy would push citizens further into poverty and violated the social contract that exists between the government and its people.Fast forward to 2023, and President Tinubu made a similar move by removing the fuel subsidy during his inaugural speech at Eagle Square in Abuja.

He announced, “Subsidy is gone,” resulting in a significant hike in fuel prices. Tinubu justified this decision by stating that the subsidy had become a financial liability for the country and was contributing to widespread corruption.

This change in Tinubu’s position—from opposing the subsidy to implementing its removal—illustrates the shifting landscape of the fuel subsidy discussion in Nigeria and the difficult decisions that leaders must navigate in managing the nation’s economy.