The Digest:
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN has asserted that the removal of Nigeria’s petrol subsidy was not an autonomous policy decision but a directive from international financial institutions. Speaking on Channels Television, Falana argued that no country globally operates without subsidies and criticized the move for exacerbating inflation and public hardship.
Key Points:
- Falana stated the World Bank and IMF “insisted” that Nigeria remove all subsidies.
- He emphasized that Western nations, such as the US and the UK, still subsidize key sectors.
- The lawyer linked the removal of subsidies to record inflation and declining living standards.
- He opposed a proposed 5% fuel surcharge, calling it an additional burden on citizens.
- Falana revealed that over ₦1 trillion previously deducted for road maintenance via FERMA was never remitted.
- He demanded accountability for missing funds before introducing new taxes.
- Falana also condemned dollarization, stressing it is illegal to reject the naira.
Sources: Channels Television
