NIGERIA: Adesina Reveals Why Buhari Did Not Remove Fuel Subsidy

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has revealed why Buhari chose not to remove the fuel subsidy during his tenure, describing him as a leader deeply committed to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement celebrating Buhari’s 82nd birthday on Tuesday, Adesina noted that the decision to retain the subsidy was rooted in Buhari’s concern for the masses.

According to him, Buhari, often referred to as ‘Ore Mekunu’ – a Yoruba phrase meaning “friend of the poor”, refused to take actions that could further impoverish the people, even when he knew corrupt leaders were exploiting the system.

Adesina explained that Buhari’s administration was well aware of the inefficiencies of the subsidy but chose to prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“The Big Elephant in the room was the removal of the fuel subsidy. Did you think the government didn’t know that the money-guzzling monster had to be slain? It knew. But who ensured that subsidies remained as long as they did? Buhari. And why? The people, the ordinary people. His argument was always simple,” Adesina stated.

He further highlighted Buhari’s reasoning: “When oil sold for at least $100 per barrel in the international market, rising even to as high as $140 per barrel, what did the ordinary people gain? Nothing! So why should they be the ones to bear the brunt when oil prices fall?”

Adesina acknowledged that Buhari may have shared the belief that the subsidy should eventually be removed, but he deliberately avoided such a move during his tenure to prevent societal hardship. “He didn’t want to do something that would throw society into a tailspin for the sake of the ordinary people,” Adesina added.

Reflecting on Buhari’s enduring popularity, Adesina remarked that nearly two years after leaving office, the former president continues to draw people to himself, a testament to his enduring reputation as a leader committed to the poor.