Hardship: Nigerians not enjoying gains of subsidy removal, NGO alerts government
A Non Governmental Organization, the Gombe Network of Civil Society (GONET), has alerted the Nigerian government on the level of hardship citizens had now been subjected to, saying that the fuel subsidy removal gains were yet to be enjoyed by Nigerians.
Mr Ibrahim Yusuf, the chairman of GONET in Gombe State expressed this concern in a press statement issued in Gombe on Tuesday.
According to Yusuf, Nigerians are yet to enjoy the gains of subsidy removal because there is lack of transparency and accountability regarding the utilisation of public funds derived from the subsidy removal.
He stated that the citizens had been left in the dark on how these funds were being allocated and whether they were being utilised to address the pressing needs of the populace.
“The recent removal of oil subsidies has exacerbated existing challenges, leading to widespread inflation, a sharp decline in living standards, and a dire scarcity of essentials, including food and water.
“The removal of oil subsidies has resulted in a crippling increase in inflation, making basic necessities unaffordable for many Nigerians.
“ The common man is facing dire circumstances, struggling to secure the most fundamental sustenance; families are going hungry, children are malnourished, and communities are suffering,” he said.
While acknowledging government’s efforts in implementing palliative measures, the GONET chairman, however, advocated an inclusive approach involving experts to devise lasting solutions to the country’s myriad of problems, stressing that palliatives were short-termed solutions that were not realistic, transparent, or sustainable.
Yusuf said that the press statement was to urgently draw the attention of the Nigerian government regarding the severe hardships experienced by citizens across the nation.
“The time for action is now. We can not afford to delay any longer while our fellow citizens continue to endure unimaginable hardships. We urge the government to heed our plea and take proactive measures to address the crisis before it escalates further,” he said.
