Tinubu says he feels Nigerians’ fuel subsidy pains. Many don’t buy it

President Bola Tinubu on Monday offered a promising outlook following his removal of fuel subsidy that has imposed huge cost on long-suffering citizens, telling them he “feels their pain” and their suffering will not be in vain.

Mr Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy on in his inaugural speech on May 29, and the market responded instantly with prices rising nearly threefold. A litre of petrol rose from N185 to N537, and in some places above N600, the widest margin of increase in 30 years.

The increase has left many Nigerians struggling to commute and pay transport fares. Some have been unable to go to work, prompting a number of offices to allow their staff work remotely.

In a country with a minimum wage of N30,000, the new rates mean many could spend more than half their salaries on transportation monthly whether they own a car or use public transport.

“I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain,” Mr Tinubu said in his address to the nation to mark the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.

“Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain.”

The president said his administration “will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.”

– Past failures hunt the future

But many citizens are not buying the assurances – not after years of similar pledges from Mr Tinubu’s predecessors, especially the immediate-past Buhari administration that promised and failed for eight years to replace subsidy with people-focused developmental projects.

Critics argue that such assurances often fail to materialize, leaving the burden of sacrifice solely on the shoulders of the citizens. There are also concerns about the transparency surrounding the reallocation of funds previously designated for fuel subsidies.

“Why should the citizens always be the one to sacrifice? Cut the cost of governance too so everyone can bear the burden,” said Twitter user Taiwo Paul, with the handle @taiwopa15632269.

Another user, Ugσ αℓнαѕѕαη (@djkhillz) agreed. “He doesn’t feel a thing compared to what Nigerians are feeling. Let them reduce the cost of governance first before putting Nigerians in this mess. Book mark this tweet money saved from subsidy removal will be mismanaged and its effect won’t be felt as long as APC is in power,” he wrote.

“They always feel our pain. And they’ll never partake in the pain. Reduce the salary or allowance of the law maker if you really feel our pain,” yet another user, Trump2024 (@ajumi01) wrote.

Mr Tinubu said “this is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.”