Triple Allocations, Zero Impact: The Grassroots Cost of Nigeria’s Subsidy Removal
By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The removal of fuel subsidy has significantly increased allocations to Nigeria’s three tiers of government, with Local Government Areas (LGAs) recording notable gains. Yet, a heated debate persists: is this windfall a genuine opportunity for grassroots development, or just another avenue for council chairmen to enrich themselves?
The Promise of Triple Allocations
Many stakeholders view the subsidy removal as a potentially positive development, especially for the grassroots. Kalejaiye Mutiu describes it as a “blessing to all three tiers of government” but emphasizes the urgent need for “proper accountability and assessment measures… for credibility and transparency.” The expectation is that tripled allocations could finally fund essential local infrastructure and social services long neglected.
The Problem of Pervasive Graft
Despite the increased funds, skepticism remains high about their use. Oloye Salami Oluwaseun argues that the subsidy removal has become “a mere conduit pipe for council chairmen,” who now “live large to the detriment of the people,” crippling grassroots development.
Salami blames the overbearing influence of state governors, asserting that “our governors are the Accountants-General for local government allocations in Nigeria.” He rates most LGAs’ use of these funds at zero—except Lagos, which he credits with 30%. According to him, councilors have become “rubber stamps and toothless bulldogs that cannot bite,” unable to hold leaders accountable.
The Call for Local Autonomy and Accountability
Many voices in the debate return to the persistent issue of local government autonomy. Omoba Awofeso Rasheed laments public fatigue in advocating for change and recalls the intimidation faced by council officials who dare to challenge the system, including threats of impeachment. “We should continue to push for local government autonomy,” he insists, seeing it as the foundation for “transparency and accountability that can be traced directly to council accounts.”
Behavioral Patterns Over Policy Change
For Engr. Olusola Emmanuel Adedayo, the problem lies less in policy and more in entrenched behavioral and political norms. He argues that the subsidy removal “has never been and will never be a blessing to local government councils and their constituents.”
Adedayo criticizes a culture that glorifies politicians for performing their basic duties, turning them into “lords and personal saviours.” He warns that unless citizens demand accountability from state governors and council chairmen—and the federal government strengthens oversight—“we’ll keep dancing around in circles of confusion.”
The Verdict: Promise Without Progress
Across perspectives, the consensus is clear: while the removal of fuel subsidy has delivered unprecedented financial gains to local governments, weak governance structures and entrenched corruption continue to stifle its potential. For many Nigerians, the question lingers—has their sacrifice truly translated into grassroots progress?