On one hand, subsidy helps to keep the price of fuel relatively low, making transportation and goods more affordable for ordinary Nigerians. On the other hand, it drains trillions of naira from the national treasury annually—funds that could have been used for healthcare, education, or infrastructure.

The Economic Burden
Experts have repeatedly argued that subsidy benefits the rich more than the poor, since fuel consumption is higher among wealthier citizens. Yet, the poor feel the hardest hit whenever subsidy is removed.

Corruption Concerns
Subsidy has also been linked to massive fraud. Billions of naira vanish yearly through fake claims and inflated importation figures. This makes many Nigerians distrustful of the entire system.

Final Thoughts
Fuel subsidy is both an economic and political issue. Whether to keep it or remove it remains a hard decision that touches every Nigerian’s daily life.