By Energy Crossroad
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi has stirred fresh debate over Nigeria’s fuel subsidy policy after appearing to indicate that subsidy could return if corruption within the system is eliminated.
Speaking in a recent video, Obi identified corruption as a major problem affecting the country and argued that addressing corruption would change the conversation around fuel subsidy.
“People are talking about subsidy but what is all about it is corruption. By removing the corruption, I assure you that we will bring back subsidy.”
Obi further stated:
“The problem of Nigeria is corruption, as such, if elected, we will stop all forms of corruption in every sector of the country.”
The comments have drawn attention because of Obi’s previously stated position that Nigeria’s fuel subsidy regime should be removed.
During the 2023 presidential campaign, Obi advocated the removal of fuel subsidy, while arguing that the system had become susceptible to corruption and abuse.
However, his latest comments appear to place greater emphasis on eliminating corruption within the subsidy system rather than maintaining a blanket position against subsidy itself.
The latest position raises questions about what a reintroduced subsidy system under an Obi administration would look like, particularly in terms of funding, transparency, accountability and mechanisms to prevent the diversion of public funds.
It also raises a broader policy question: can Nigeria operate a fuel subsidy programme without repeating the alleged leakages and abuses associated with previous subsidy regimes?
With the cost of petrol remaining a major economic and political issue in Nigeria, Obi’s latest remarks could put fuel subsidy back at the centre of the national policy debate.
For now, his comments suggest a change in emphasis—from the outright removal of subsidy to the possibility of restoring it after corruption in the system has been addressed.
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