Subsidy Removal: Falana Tells Nigerians to Demand Accountability From FG, States, LGs

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on Nigerians to demand accountability from the Federal Government, state governments and local councils over the use of increased revenue following petrol subsidy removal.

Falana said all three tiers of government are receiving more revenue following the policy change and should explain how the funds are being deployed.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, he questioned why citizens continue to face economic difficulties while some infrastructure projects remain in poor condition.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria cited a road in Ekiti State leading to Afe Babalola University. He said the local government reportedly received about N5.4 billion between January and May and questioned why the road had not been repaired.

Falana said the road could reportedly be fixed for less than N500 million.

He further questioned the practice of state governments repairing roads and then approaching the Federal Government for refunds.

The lawyer said the country should not return to what he described as the “fuel subsidy scam” era.

He also argued that about $10 billion previously earmarked annually for fuel imports could have been saved following the subsidy removal. However, Falana said much of the additional revenue was going towards debt servicing.

He urged Nigerians to closely monitor government finances and demand explanations over the use of public funds.

President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023. The Federal Government has said the measure was necessary to redirect resources towards development.