Video: FCT Residents Criticise Palliative Measures, Want Government to Do More

Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concerns over the increase in price of goods and services caused by fuel subsidy removal.

The residents lamented the proposed palliative measures meant to cushion the consequences of the removal of fuel subsidy on Nigerians, saying the measures are not taken off on time and may not be far-reaching enough.

Speaking to ECONOMY ON THE STREET, the Abuja residents faulted the timing of the palliatives, wondering whether the government wants to wait till most Nigerians die of hunger before rolling out the palliatives.

Even though President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the review of the 8,000 palliative policy and announced a more comprehensive approach in Monday’s broadcast, the respondents also criticised the idea, saying it is too little too late.

“8000 naira, what can it buy please? Even 8000 naira is not enough for a day for food items. I and my son can’t use that 8,000 naira to feed. In a day I spend that amount so it’s not helpful,” said a disturbed mother of one.

“For me I think the Federal Government is trying to bribe the citizens but the main thing should be done like since they removed subsidy on fuel, there should be a kind of infrastructural development in terms of refineries because we can’t keep buying fuel at this rate, it’s not easy,’ a female respondent said.

“Individual to get N8,000, can it solve their immediate problems? No, the Nigerian government needs a good solution, they should improve the industrial sector and provide good jobs for the people.” said another respondent who declined to mention his name.

“If they want to make things work, they should put up a system because if they like let them share one million Naira each to all Nigerians, it’s not going to solve the problem, it’s not going to make things easier for anybody.” another respondent argued.