Mahdi Shehu Accuses Nigerian Government of Using Fuel Subsidy Removal to Protect Corruption

Mahdi Shehu has accused the Nigerian government of utilizing the removal of fuel subsidy as a strategy to safeguard corruption rather than eradicate it. Shehu criticized the policy as the "biggest scam" in Nigeria's history, drawing comparisons between past subsidy payments and recent expenditures.

He highlighted the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation's (NNPC) claim of spending 5.7 trillion naira on fuel subsidy in 2021-2022, questioning the validity of the NNPC's reported 17.5 trillion naira expenditure from January to December 2025. Shehu argued that the removal of subsidies does not curb corruption but instead fosters it, leading to continued heavy borrowing by Nigeria.

He further alleged that a select group benefits at the expense of ordinary Nigerians, describing them as a clique, cartel, or cabal aiming to impoverish the population and ultimately destroy the country. Shehu also criticized the government's reliance on borrowing despite the subsidy removal, emphasizing the need to halt borrowing.

Notably, he referenced a previous announcement by a political figure, Tinubu, regarding the immediate removal of petrol subsidies upon assuming office on May 29, 2023.