EFFECT OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY: A STUDY OF ADAMAWA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT

The paper examined the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the Nigerian Economy: A study of Adamawa Central Senatorial District. The economic development of a society is vital for the welfare, and satisfaction of the needs of members of the society. Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 to the current political dispensation, several efforts were made to accelerate economic development. However, in spite of several policies initiated and implemented in Nigeria, the country appears to be at the economic crossroad and faces a dilemma of economic development. Fuel subsidy is one of such policies initiated and implemented in Nigeria. The federal government operated fuel subsidy with the aim of making petroleum products available to cushion the effect of actual market prices of the product on the general populace for several decades. Recently, the removal of fuel subsidy has generated mixed reactions in the political process. The study utilized primary and secondary sources of data generation. Data were obtained from published and unpublished materials like books, magazines, journals, newspapers etc. The study revealed that the removal of the fuel subsidy has been met with considerable skepticism and concern among the public because government has not adequately addressed the implications of this policy change, particularly regarding transparency, social equity, and its economic benefits. The study therefore recommends the need to conduct comprehensive impact assessments before implementing policy changes, like subsidy removal, is essential. These assessments should involve stakeholder consultations, particularly with communities that would be directly affected. Understanding the potential socio-economic implications of such changes can help the government make informed decisions and develop strategies that mitigate negative impacts on vulnerable populations.