Peter Obi Explains How He Would Have Handled Fuel Subsidy Removal Differently
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has clarified his position on the removal of fuel subsidy, stating that his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s approach is not about the policy itself but how it was implemented.
Speaking during an interview with journalist Rufai Oseni, Obi said he has consistently supported the removal of fuel subsidy but would have adopted a more structured, transparent, and strategic approach if he were in office.
According to the former Anambra State governor, fuel subsidy removal is necessary for economic growth. However, he argued that such a major policy decision should be preceded by extensive consultations with stakeholders in the petroleum sector and accompanied by measures to address long-standing issues within the system.
‘I Would Have Removed It in an Organized Manner’
During the interview, Oseni asked Obi what he would have done differently regarding the controversial subsidy removal policy.
Responding, Obi emphasized that he was never opposed to ending the subsidy regime but believed the process should have been better planned.
“I didn’t criticize Tinubu for removing the subsidy. I said I would have removed it, but in an organized manner. I wouldn’t have announced it at my inauguration,” Obi said.
He explained that he would have first engaged key industry operators and examined the true cost of the subsidy system, which he claimed had been plagued by irregularities and inefficiencies.
“I would have first sat down with operators in the industry because we know there is a lot of criminality around the subsidy. I would remove it to determine the exact amount being spent on subsidy and also address the issue of exchange rate deregulation.”
Corruption Must Be Tackled Alongside Reforms
Obi further argued that economic reforms cannot succeed without a strong commitment to fighting corruption.
According to him, policies such as subsidy removal and exchange-rate reforms should be implemented alongside broader measures aimed at improving transparency and accountability in government.
“The most important thing is to fight corruption head-on,” he stated.
The former governor also questioned whether the intended benefits of subsidy removal have translated into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Concerns Over Economic Hardship and Borrowing
Obi noted that many Nigerians continue to face significant economic challenges despite the removal of fuel subsidy. He also expressed concern over the country’s continued borrowing, arguing that the expected gains from the policy have yet to be fully felt by citizens.
“Since the subsidy was removed, what has been the impact on the average Nigerian? We have even borrowed more money than we used to when subsidy was still in place,” he said.
His comments have since sparked debate among Nigerians, with supporters and critics weighing in on the effectiveness of the government’s economic reforms and the long-term impact of subsidy removal on the nation’s economy.
Watch the video below…
Rufai Oseni: “You keep criticizing President Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy. What would you have done differently?”
Mr Peter Obi: “I didn’t criticize Tinubu for removing the subsidy. I said I would have removed it, but in an organized manner. I wouldn’t have announced… https://t.co/2iw4sviSzB pic.twitter.com/AQfEb94fxu
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) June 16, 2026
