Is Fuel Deregulation Positive or Negative for Nigeria?

The Federal Government recently made petroleum (PMS) importation and supply process open to all comers, in a bid to curb corruption in the sector, remove supply bottlenecks and stabilise the price of the vital product. Although most fuel queues vanished instantly after the announcement and supply improved, but the cost implication for the average citizen is huge and there was resultant inflation in the prices of goods of services. To you, is fuel deregulation positive or negative for Nigeria’s development process?

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

* It’s positive, because all the politically-expedient, incompetent, deceitful and profane leaders in Nigeria use fuel subsidy as a means to rip-off the nation’s wealth. And the condition of which the subsidised fuel leads to queuing at the gasoline stations is absurd. On the other way round is the uncertainty of the current administration, which is not absolute.
– Mr. Benjamin La’arubi Tevoros, Student, Jalingo, Taraba State

* Despite the ups and downs in our economy, the action taken by government to stop subsidy is a good one because some people had been using subsidy to empty our treasury. Enough is enough; let us make the market open for anybody that has what it takes to import petrol. The removal is for the interest of Nigerians because it will create jobs and competition for the new-comers in the sector to reduce price and scarcity in six months’ time. Money realised from subsidy should be channelled into people-oriented projects to cushion the suffering.
– Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State

* The deregulation of fuel importation and supply as done by the Federal Government and the N145 per litre ceiling as the price of PMS has brought about an astronomical rise in the prices of goods and services. Nigerians are groaning as a result of the said deregulation. The federal government might have had good intentions, but the attendant suffering on the people has placed a negative emblem on the deregulation. Government should have first improved local production of fuel, especially through the encouragement of the establishment of modular refineries.
– Mr. Neville Kikpoye-Jonathan, President, Abua National Associates, Amalem-Abua, Rivers State

* The deregulation of PMS supply in Nigeria is a very positive move by the federal government. It is better to have petrol readily available at slightly higher prices; rather than have some briefcase contractors keep ripping off billions in unearned subsidy payments. The downstream sector is a cesspit of corruption and this step is vital to the cleansing process.
– Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State

* Although fuel deregulation was positive for Nigeria, the timing of its removal was wrong. The level of poverty is high, and the effects resulted in the high cost of foodstuffs e.t.c. that are not affordable, and unemployment. The planned social safety nets should be implemented quickly to alleviate the pains of the citizens.
– Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna

* For me, the greatest palliative you can give Nigerians at the moment is fuel subsidy. If salaries of public servants are increased, inflation would worsen our economy. The biggest threat to Nigeria at the moment is the Niger Delta militants. I believe this renewed militancy is designed to stop Nigeria from earning any revenue from oil and gas. I’m afraid much tougher times are ahead economically. Although I’m an advocate for recovery of looted funds, the only way out is for Buhari to stop fighting corruption for now, particularly against those from the Niger Delta. Justice delayed means you at least have a nation. Corruption will be the least of our problems because when poverty starts to fight back, everyone is in trouble.
– Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State

* Government should not take the simplicity of poor citizens for granted, as the fuel deregulation is only to punish the poor the more. Due to poverty, majority of Nigerians do not know their right. The negative thing it has brought would not leave us if we don’t fight for our right.
– Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna

* The recent fuel deregulation is positive because subsidy is evil and nurturing cancerous corruption. If therefore prices go up while products are readily available, citizens will be patient, compliant, patriotic e.t.c with inflation side effects e.t.c. especially if the masses are adequately carried along. Temporary pains are better than quitting this mission of a better Nigeria and future. PMB must remain focused, thrifty and un-intimidated. God bless Nigeria.
– Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos

* This fuel deregulation is negative for Nigeria at this time; the economy is not balanced and the masses are suffering, with no food and no money. In fact, the federal government is making things worse for ordinary Nigerians.
– Mr. Anyagbo Okpanachi Victor, Kogi State

* It is quite positive. Nigerians have been clamouring for fuel subsidy removal; kudos to this government for seizing this golden opportunity to make a name, and a difference. We must remain focused and act fast. With honesty and patriotism the sky is our beginning. No pain, no gain. Pain is temporary whereas quitting is retrogressive. God bless Nigeria.
– Ms Saiki Ometere Tina, Gboko, Benue State

* Right now the fuel deregulation is a negative intervention and by the way, the number two citizen has allegedly said deregulation is yet to occur. When it finally happens, won’t PMB reach N500 a litre? Government should please reduce propaganda and let us engage in productive discourse.
– Mr. Ekwenjo Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R. Apo, Abuja

* Deregulation is a good step in the right direction for the federal government to come out and say enough is enough for subsidy because it has become an avenue for marketers to siphon money meant for infrastructural development. Nigerians should bear subsidy removal; after all it is for the interest of Nigerians to get it right now. Let us make the market open to anybody that has financial muscle to import PMS and sell at his own price; in a couple of months, the price will crash and there will be regular supply of PMS.
– Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State

* The question is, how can you control the price of a product you don’t produce? If we had refineries that are working at full capacity, we could do whatever we like. Sadly, we are dependent on the vagaries of international markets, yet we seek to impose a price. Many of the developed world countries with huge refineries don’t have fixed prices for petroleum products. It’s time for a bit of reality-check.
– Mr. Yommi Oni, Paris, France

* Well, it’s a reality we have to cope with. Let us hope for better days ahead.
– Miss Mary Adeola Ayeni, Lagos State

THE RESPONSE

It is positive: 7
It is negative: 2
Others: 5
Radical tip: Stop fighting corruption!
Total no of respondents: 14
Male: 11
Female: 3
Highest location: Lagos (4)

Next Week: Did the FG Meet your Devt Expectations in 365 Days?

On May 29, the current administration will mark one year in office, with mixed reactions from the general public on the performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government. Given the platform an promise of change which was the major manifesto of this administration, has the federal government met your development expectation so far, or you expected more after one year in office? What more?

Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (May 26 & Monday, May 30) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, June 2