The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has expressed concern about the recent decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to remove PMS subsidy without engagement and consultation with stakeholders.
CSJ in a statement Thursday in Abuja said, “While CSJ has long advocated for the removal of PMS subsidy, the abruptness and lack of transparency surrounding this announcement raises several critical questions and potential consequences for the citizens of Nigeria.
“We recall President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, in which he declared the end of petrol subsidy. Subsequently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced an upward review in the pump price of PMS across the nation, effective from May 31, 2023. CSJ recognizes the need for sustainable economic policies and applauds efforts to address the issues related to petrol subsidy. However, the current manner in which the removal of subsidy has been carried out raises significant concerns that demand urgent attention.
“First, the lack of public consultation and agreements that should accompany the reform package including palliatives for the poor, cutting down the cost of governance, the fate of the public refineries, etc., prior to the removal of the subsidy is troubling. It is very important that decisions of this magnitude, which directly affect the lives of citizens, are made through inclusive and participatory processes, ensuring that diverse perspectives are taken into account.”
According to the statement, the lack of transparency and clarity in the computation of the new fuel prices circulated by NNPCL is disturbing. “CSJ urges the government to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the cost components and the basis for the calculation of the new fuel price. This information is vital for the citizens to understand the rationale behind the price adjustment.”
