Prominent lawyer and human rights activist Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN has expressed support for the Bola Tinubu administration’s scrapping of fuel subsidies. However, he critiqued the slow delivery of relief materials to cushion hardship on citizens.
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In an exclusive interview with Vanguard newspaper published today, the maritime law expert and ex-NBA President agreed the subsidy “elephant” would have brought Nigeria’s economy to its knees if retained. He concurred the decision was necessary to set the country on the right fiscal path.
However, Dr. Agbakoba decried the lack of urgency in tackling current economic pressures on ordinary Nigerians through social welfare programs. He advised instituting a legal framework for identity-based cash transfers to verified poor and vulnerable groups.
The senior advocate also suggested downsizing the federal cabinet from 48 to only 10-12 essential ministries. He particularly called for the merging or abolition of redundant portfolios like Housing, Agriculture and Information.
According to Agbakoba, the billions reportedly set aside for palliatives remain unaccounted for. He urged the expedited passage of a Social Security Act that prioritizes data-driven aid disbursement to bonafide beneficiaries. Transparency around subsidy proceeds was equally emphasized.
While defending the removal of fuel subsidies by President Tinubu as economically prudent, the frontline lawyer and activist demanded speedier relief action to persuade Nigerians to endure the temporary hardship.
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