Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described Nigeria’s fuel subsidy system as a form of “organised crime,” vowing that such practices would not be tolerated under his leadership.
Speaking during an interview, the former Anambra State governor criticised the current subsidy framework, arguing that it lacks transparency and is riddled with irregularities.
He maintained that if elected president, his administration would take a firm stance against any system that enables corruption or economic manipulation.
Obi also raised concerns about discrepancies in Nigeria’s reported fuel consumption figures.
According to him, available data does not align with realistic usage patterns, suggesting that the numbers have been distorted.
To illustrate his point, he compared Nigeria’s situation with that of Pakistan.
Accountability
He noted that despite similarities in population size—and even with Pakistan having more extensive road networks and possibly more vehicles—its fuel consumption is significantly lower than Nigeria’s.
Questioning the credibility of the figures, Obi asked where the excess fuel being accounted for is actually going, implying that the subsidy regime may be enabling large-scale exploitation.
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to accountability, stressing that any system that encourages financial misconduct would be dismantled if he assumes office.
The Organised Crime
His words: “Subsidy is organised crime. I will not allow any form of criminality as President of Nigeria.
“The amount of fuel they say we consume cannot be consumed by this country. There’s an empirical evidence.
Also Read: ADC Rejects INEC Move to Remove David Mark, Aregbesola from Party Records
“We are about the same size as Pakistan and they have more roads. We probably have same number of vehicles, or they have even more. Yet their fuel consumption is the third of ours. Who is drinking the balance?”