ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has revealed that state governors initially feared widespread unrest and possible riots following the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
AbdulRazaq made the disclosure while reflecting on the immediate aftermath of the policy announcement, noting that many state leaders were anxious about potential public backlash due to the expected economic impact of the reform.
According to him, there were early concerns within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum that the sudden adjustment in fuel pricing could trigger mass protests across the country, given Nigeria’s history of public reactions to fuel subsidy removal attempts.
However, he stated that contrary to those expectations, the anticipated nationwide riots did not occur, as citizens gradually adjusted to the new economic realities introduced by the policy.
The NGF chairman explained that although the policy initially caused economic pressure, especially through increased transportation and commodity prices, large-scale violent protests were ultimately avoided.
He credited a combination of government engagement, public communication, and gradual adaptation by citizens for the relative stability observed after the policy took effect.
The removal of petrol subsidy, announced by President Tinubu during his inauguration in May 2023, remains one of the most significant economic reforms in recent Nigerian history.
The policy effectively ended decades of government intervention in fuel pricing, leading to immediate increases in petrol costs nationwide.
While the decision was praised by some economists and policy analysts as a necessary fiscal reform, it also sparked concerns over inflation and cost-of-living pressures affecting households and businesses.
AbdulRazaq noted that despite initial fears, Nigeria did not experience the kind of large-scale civil unrest that some policymakers had predicted at the time of the announcement.
Observers say his remarks provide insight into the internal anxieties among political leaders during the early stages of the reform implementation.
Economic analysts continue to debate the long-term impact of the subsidy removal, particularly its effects on government revenue, public welfare, and inflation trends.
The NGF chairman emphasized that leadership decisions often involve uncertainty, especially when implementing reforms with immediate and far-reaching economic consequences.
He added that the experience highlights the importance of communication and public trust in managing sensitive national policy changes.
As discussions around economic reforms continue, the subsidy removal remains a central topic in Nigeria’s ongoing debate about fiscal policy and national development priorities.
