Professor Olusola Adeyeye has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, arguing that the president inherited a budget that made no provision for the subsidy.
Adeyeye made the remarks during an appearance on Western Spring Television, where he addressed criticism directed at Tinubu over the removal of the petrol subsidy.
According to him, many Nigerians blame the president for ending the subsidy without considering the fiscal situation he inherited upon assuming office in May 2023.
“People blame President Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy, but the budget he inherited contained no allocation for it,” Adeyeye said.
He maintained that Tinubu should be commended for taking what he described as a difficult but necessary decision in the interest of the country’s future.
“If he has the presence of mind to do what is good for Nigeria and secure a better trajectory for our children, I raise my cap to him,” he added.
The removal of the petrol subsidy has remained a major subject of national debate, with supporters of the policy arguing that it would reduce pressure on government finances and free up resources for development.
However, the decision has also attracted widespread criticism because of its impact on the cost of living, transportation and the prices of goods and services across the country.
Tinubu announced the end of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, triggering significant changes in fuel prices and renewed calls for measures to cushion the economic effects on Nigerians.
Adeyeye’s comments add to the ongoing debate over the policy, with the central question remaining whether the long-term fiscal benefits of subsidy removal will translate into improved living conditions for citizens.
