Minister Warns Against Restoring Nigeria's Fuel Subsidy

Mohammed Idris, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, cautioned against calls to restore the petrol subsidy, asserting that such a move would undermine Nigeria’s improving fiscal position and reverse economic gains made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. In an Op-Ed published on August 24, 2026, Idris outlined the fiscal benefits of subsidy removal and the economic risks that would arise from reinstating the subsidy.

He noted that restoring the subsidy would recreate the fiscal pressures and distortions experienced in 2022, when Nigeria spent about $10 billion on fuel subsidies. Idris highlighted that subsidy savings mobilized ₦15.8 trillion for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025, with ₦5.43 trillion going to the Federal Government, ₦6.52 trillion to states, and ₦3.88 trillion to local governments.

He emphasized the importance of these resources for funding essential services and infrastructure, as well as supporting social investment initiatives.