Femi Falana Urges Review of Fuel Subsidy Policy Amid Allegations of Continued Payments

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called on the Bola Tinubu-led government to reassess its fuel subsidy removal policy in light of recent allegations suggesting that the country is still footing the subsidy bill.

In a statement titled “Fuel subsidy again?” released to the press on Sunday, Falana emphasized the need for the federal government to address the ongoing hardship faced by Nigerians, rather than persisting with a policy that appears to burden the populace.

Highlighting contradictory statements from both the World Bank and Mr. Robert Dickerman, CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, Falana questioned the transparency surrounding the subsidy issue. Despite assertions of subsidy removal, allegations of continued payments cast doubt on the government’s stance.

Falana urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to clarify the situation promptly, especially considering the absence of provisions for fuel subsidy in recent Appropriation Acts.

Citing past discrepancies in subsidy spending under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Falana emphasized the necessity of reviewing the policy’s impact on the Nigerian populace. He warned against further hardships imposed by subsidy removal, especially if substantial sums are still being allocated to fuel subsidy payments.