The policy statement of president Ahmed BolaTinubu that his administration is committed to a “competitive, stable and transparent oil market” was met with mixture of praise and criticism by the Nigeria citizens.
At a meeting between representatives of major oil Marketers’ Association and president Ahmed BolaTinubu on Wednesday in Abuja, the president said he had emphasized his administration’s total commitment to a “competitive, stable and transparent oil market.
Tinubu, in the course of the discussions had challenged the marketers to work with the government to ensure regular supply and convenient access to fuel products across the country at the lowest possible price.
In his words via his official Twitter handle shortly after the meeting, he said “At a meeting yesterday with representatives of major oil marketers’ associations, in the course of the discussions,” he continued.
“I emphasized my administration’s total commitment to a competitive, stable and transparent oil market and challenged the marketers to work with the government to ensure regular supply and convenient access to fuel products across the country at the lowest possible price,”Tinubu said.
While commentators condemned the Nigeria leader for, again in their view, not releasing a comprehensive list of all companies and individuals who have received petrol subsidy payments in the past five years.
Some hailed his meeting as “an indicator of good governance” and commitment to the people. In fact, analysts and commentators who are usually outraged over the administration’s policy of the past Government of Nigeria found themselves in agreement on the move to settle the subsidy crisis.
@ipcjustice, The Nigerian people are demanding the immediate release of the list of all companies and individuals who have received petrol subsidy payments in the past five years.
He said, “this information is a public record and is crucial for promoting transparency and accountability.
According to him, the petrol subsidy program has long been identified as a major source of waste and corruption in Nigeria.
He said In 2022 alone, the government spent $4.7 billion on petrol subsidies, but there is no evidence to suggest that this money was utilized effectively.
“In fact, there is evidence indicating that a significant portion of these funds was embezzled by corrupt officials and oil marketers.
“Releasing the list of petrol subsidy recipients will enable Nigerians to identify those benefiting from this program and to hold any wrongdoers accountable.
“It is also important for the government to release this information to facilitate improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the petrol subsidy program.
“We strongly urge the government to immediately release the list of petrol subsidy recipients.
This is a matter of public interest and utmost importance for promoting transparency and accountability,”@ipcjustice said.
@Dr. AliyuTilde, Oil has always been a cartel business. We hope they’ve listened to you. Otherwise, they have in you their equal—someone who had a career in Mobil, an auditor for that matter. If they fail, give them the treatment MBS treatment gave to his co-Saudi royals.”
@nurasabitu, guys everything will be okay. just buckle up and enjoy the ride. I assure you this man will make Nigeria great again,”he said.
@mahmud Galadanci , We have courage that these measures will result into something positive. The hardship we were scared of will never find us. That’s our prayers and may whatever decision you made be beneficial to Nigerians as a whole.
Also, @aholagunju, tlhis is how to avert a crisis. Continuous engagement with public and private sectors. NLC and TUC are onboard. State governors onboard. Major oil marketers are onboard and Millions of Nigerians are in support.”
@michael Akinbamiro, Level setting the expectations is a clear indicator of good governance and commitment to the people, but also saying that “the devil is in the details,” I believe it can be done by this administration.”
Consequently, words of criticism were unexpected but in the contrary, the subsidy removal and endemic corruption in the oil sector have continued to pose severe and unbearable hardship on the Nigerians.