Many Nigerians have continued to groan under the increasing level of hardship in the country as the effect of the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu-led administration bites harder.
Venting their frustrations on social media, many lamented the hike in cost of goods and services due to the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit popular known as petrol.
Nigerians are also blaming the Tinubu government for its insensitivity and failure to proffer measures that will bring succour to citizens.
Chronicle NG reports that Tinubu in his inaugural speech announced the removal of subsidy on petrol in his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023.
While some Nigerians have praised the President for taking the bold steps to remove the age long fuel subsidy and devaluation of the naira to unify foreign exchange market, many are raising concerns over the current state of the economy.
On the high cost of goods and services, a Twitter user @IgweOdyssey tweets “Paint of tomatoes is N8,000 in Lekki, Lagos but we will not blame Asiwaju. He is our SW brother. Blaming him will make him look bad”.
Another Twitter user @trendwithola in his tweet said, “Every sane Nigerians wanted Fuel Subsidy Removal, there’s nothing to applaud Tinubu on. The criticism is his bad approach without providing viable plans to cushion the effect first. Using the money wisely is key.”
With the price of petrol projected to rise to a new high of N700 in the month of July, Some other Nigerians are questioning the President’s seriousness to reducing cost of Governance.
Laying reference to the long convoy of vehicles that accompanied the President on his return from his recent France and Uk trip, popular human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong tweeted, “Mr. Bola Tinubu’s convoy in Lagos is another reminder that the political class is not ready to make the sacrifices which they expect from citizens. A nation that has a devastating debt burden shouldn’t be run this way. Those defending the monstrous convoy don’t wish Nigeria well.”
Another twitter user and critic Daniel Regha in his tweet said, “The US President’s motorcade is about 50 vehicles, most times the convoy is just 16 cars; But Tinubu was escorted with over “124 vehicles” in Lagos. U can imagine a leader moving in large convoy while the masses are still protesting against the hike in fuel price. It says a lot”.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria could be saving N400 billion monthly by removing fuel subsidy.