Business
Obasanjo Criticizes Fuel Subsidy Removal Amid Rising Inflation and Protests
In a recent interview with the Financial Times, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo addressed the reemergence of the fuel subsidy in Nigeria, attributing its return to the inflationary pressures that have arisen since its removal.
The fuel subsidy, which was abolished in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has reportedly reappeared due to escalating inflation, according to Obasanjo.
Obasanjo criticized the manner in which the subsidy was eliminated, arguing that the government failed to implement necessary preparatory measures before its removal.
He emphasized the need for a more strategic approach, suggesting that the removal of the subsidy was executed abruptly without adequate planning.
“The subsidy we thought we had removed is effectively back because of inflation,” Obasanjo noted.
He highlighted that there is considerable work required to address the economic issues at hand and called for a transition from a transactional economy to a transformational one to bolster investor confidence in Nigeria.
His comments come in the wake of persistent hunger protests across the country. These demonstrations, which began last Thursday, have now stretched into their fifth day, with a major demand being the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy.
In response to the protests, President Tinubu addressed the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, acknowledging the pain caused by the subsidy removal but defending it as a necessary measure. He argued that the subsidy was a significant burden on the country’s economic progress and development.
The impact of these economic changes is reflected in the sharp rise in core inflation, which surged to unprecedented levels of 34.19 percent and 40.87 percent in June 2024, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
Bitcoin has fallen below $63,000, reaching its lowest level since October 2024 amid weakening investor confidence and increased volatility in the cryptocurrency market.
According to CoinMarketCap data, Bitcoin dropped 13.9 per cent to $62,965 as of 10:20 p.m. on Thursday. The decline comes after months of downward movement, with the cryptocurrency now more than 45 per cent below its October peak.
Ethereum also recorded a sharp decline, falling 13 per cent to $1,863, while the global cryptocurrency market capitalisation dropped to $2.19 trillion.
Analysts reportedly linked the latest decline to a broader sell-off in US technology stocks, which has also affected other risk assets. Bitcoin had reached an all-time high of more than $125,000 on October 5 before falling sharply in the days that followed, highlighting the continued volatility in the crypto market.
Businessman Aliko Dangote has explained why he believes Nigerians should participate in the ownership of his refinery by purchasing shares.
He was asked by singer Davido why Nigerians should participate, and Dangote explained that the initiative would help spread wealth and prosperity across Africa.
“Well, it’s very important because that is the only way to spread prosperity and wealth throughout Africa. And like I said, this is not going to be the first and the last. We will continue with even our fertilizer. By the time we finish listing, every single one will own part of our businesses and we will create a pool of cash…”
He explained that the goal is to create opportunities for more Nigerians to own a stake in the businesses and help spread wealth across the country.
Aliko Dangote speaks on his lineage and addresses not having a son as he was asked about not having a son to carry his name and achievements.
“That is not my priority because God controls everything. You can pray for God to give you a son, but he might be the one to take down the name of the family.”
Instead, he shared that he does not mind not having a son. “I don’t think a son would have done better than the three daughters I have.”
Aside from that, he was also asked about giving advice to young Nigerians. “Work hard, be consistent, focused and know what you want to do.”
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