A political analyst, Majeed Dahiru, has argued that restoring the petrol subsidy may be the only realistic option available to Nigerians who disagree with the economic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Dahiru made the remark while weighing the impact of the Tinubu government’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy and the hardship that has followed the policy.
According to him, Nigerians who believe the subsidy removal has worsened their economic situation must consider its reversal as a possible alternative.
He maintained that the debate should not be reduced to political sentiments, but should focus on whether government policies are delivering meaningful relief to ordinary citizens.
The analyst’s position comes amid continuing concerns over the rising cost of living, transportation expenses, food prices and the declining purchasing power of many households since the subsidy was removed.
Dahiru suggested that if the government’s current approach fails to adequately cushion the effects of the policy, pressure for a return to subsidy could intensify.
He also challenged Nigerians and political actors opposed to Tinubu’s economic reforms to clearly present workable alternatives rather than merely criticising the administration.
The controversy surrounding fuel subsidy remains one of the most fiercely debated issues in Nigeria, with supporters of its removal arguing that government resources should be redirected toward infrastructure and social investment.
Critics, however, contend that the immediate burden of the policy has fallen heavily on ordinary Nigerians, particularly workers, traders and low-income families.
Dahiru’s comments are therefore likely to add fresh fuel to the national debate over whether Nigeria should continue with the subsidy-free regime or reconsider a policy that has remained politically and economically contentious for decades.
For many Nigerians, the central question now is no longer simply whether subsidy should stay or go, but whether the government can deliver an economic system capable of making life more affordable for the average citizen.
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