When Abacha Removed Subsidy, We Saw PTF, When Jonathan Did We Saw Sure-P — Babachir

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has taken aim at the Tinubu administration over the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that Nigerians have seen little to no benefit from the policy shift.

Speaking during an interview with Channels TV on August 11, 2025, Lawal reflected on past subsidy reforms that, according to him, yielded concrete improvements:

“Back when Abacha removed the subsidy, we saw the impact — the PTF did real work: roads, hospitals, things that are still around today. Under Goodluck Jonathan, the SURE-P initiative ensured that the savings from subsidy removal went into infrastructure and visible projects. But now? They’ve removed subsidy and there’s nothing to show for it. We don’t see anything.”

When asked whether state governors, who now receive increased revenue, should be held accountable, Lawal responded: “I agree, but the federal government still holds most of the money. What have they done with it?”

He also questioned the logic behind the subsidy system altogether:

“Back then, I always asked — where’s the subsidy? If Nigeria is giving crude oil to refineries and getting refined products back, that’s a trade. If we send 15 barrels of crude and get 10 barrels refined in return, that’s already paid for. They called it a swap. So what were we subsidising? It was just a way of handing money to criminals. And from what I’ve heard, this government is still paying subsidy — just not openly.”

CIURTESY: joshbrian