Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria, stated that President Bola Tinubu cannot control how individual states spend the extra money they receive after the removal of the fuel subsidy. He made these comments during a media event in Port Harcourt, responding to former governor Peter Obi's concerns about managing the funds from the subsidy removal. Wike emphasized that instead of questioning the federal government, Obi should focus on how states are using their new revenue. He pointed out that the removal of the subsidy has allowed states to improve their financial situation, enabling them to pay salaries and pensions more easily and to undertake new projects. Wike praised Tinubu for the bold decision to remove the subsidy, which he believes previous leaders avoided. He also mentioned that states now have the responsibility to show how they are using the funds they receive. The discussion around fuel subsidies is becoming more prominent as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, with various political leaders taking different stances on the issue. While some, like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, advocate for restoring the subsidy, others, like Obi, support its removal but call for better management of the funds generated from it.
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