LAGOS, NIGERIA — A political analyst and commentator, John Adesogan, has challenged the claim that President Bola Tinubu’s administration ended fuel subsidy, describing the policy as “one of the biggest scams” in the country’s history.
Adesogan made the allegation in a post on his Facebook handle on Thursday. He compared the country’s fuel subsidy expenditure under former President Muhammadu Buhari with the expenses incurred under the Tinubu administration.
The Comparison
He said over ₦11 trillion was spent on fuel subsidy during Buhari’s eight years in office, from 2015 to 2023. At the time, Nigerians bought petrol at approximately ₦187 to ₦200 per litre.
Tinubu assumed office in May 2023 and immediately announced that fuel subsidy was gone. Today, petrol sells for over ₦1,400 per litre across many parts of the country.
However, Adesogan said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reported that over ₦11.9 trillion was spent on what it calls “Energy Security Expenses” between 2023 and 2024.
Questioning the Figures
He asked what an energy security expense means. He said NNPC described it as the cost incurred to ensure that Nigerians continue to have access to fuel, even when supplying them is expensive or results in financial losses.
“Is that not essentially what fuel subsidy was about? If subsidy is truly gone, and Nigerians are now paying over ₦1,400 per litre for petrol, why has NNPC incurred over ₦11.9 trillion in expenses to keep fuel available to Nigerians? What exactly are we paying for?” he asked.
Adesogan placed the figures side by side. He said Buhari’s eight years recorded over ₦11 trillion in subsidy, with petrol sold at ₦187 to ₦200 per litre. He said Tinubu’s first two years recorded over ₦11.9 trillion in energy security expenses, with petrol sold at over ₦1,400 per litre.
“In just two years, the Tinubu administration incurred more in energy security expenses than the entire fuel subsidy expenditure under Buhari’s eight years. And Nigerians are still paying through their noses at the fuel stations,” he said.
Call for Accountability
The analyst asked what exactly had changed. He questioned whether the subsidy had truly disappeared or had simply been repackaged under a different arrangement.
He referenced an article published by The Guardian on July 22, 2026, with the headline: “FG’s N17.5tr debt to NNPCL exposes hidden fuel subsidy, says Oye.”
He said the figures raised more questions. He accused the government of fooling gullible supporters while ignoring Nigerians who ask questions and examine figures critically.
“You cannot tell Nigerians that subsidy is gone, increase the price of petrol astronomically, and then turn around to incur trillions of naira in expenses to ensure fuel remains available,” he said.
He called for a clear explanation from the government. He said Nigerians deserve to know what the energy security expenses are and why so much money is being spent.
“From where I stand, what Nigerians were told was an end to fuel subsidy is more like a change of name, not an end to the financial arrangement. This is unacceptable! We are watching. And we will not stop demanding accountability,” he concluded.
What This Means
The statement reflects the growing debate over the transparency of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy removal.
It also raises questions about the financial operations of NNPC and the true cost of fuel supply in the country.
What Happens Next
The government has not yet responded to Adesogan’s claims. Officials have consistently maintained that the subsidy is gone and that the reforms are necessary for economic stability.
For now, the debate continues. The coming months will reveal whether the government will provide the accountability Nigerians are demanding.
