Former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has described the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria as a necessary reform that was poorly implemented by the government.
Speaking at a recent public event, Ezekwesili noted that while the decision to end fuel subsidy was long overdue and beneficial to the economy in principle, the process was mishandled, leading to widespread hardship among Nigerians.
She stressed that meaningful reforms must be backed by effective planning, transparency, and cushioning measures to protect vulnerable citizens from adverse economic shocks.
“The removal of fuel subsidy is a good reform, but it was done wrongly. Any reform without adequate structures to minimize its negative impact on the people is incomplete and counterproductive,” she said.
Ezekwesili’s comments come amid rising inflation, high transportation costs, and growing public discontent since the subsidy removal policy was enforced.
