Gender implication of the removal of fuel subsidy
Jan 28th, 2012 by admin
The removal of fuel subsidy for many Nigerians is a path to destruction and a slap in the face by the President. An action many saw as callous because of its timing. A period when most Nigerians were celebrating. Majority were just returning from the holiday break, after spending a lot on families and festivities. The action was a poor reflection on our leaders and without doubt a huge disservice to all Nigerians particularly those affected by the Christmas day bombing. The big question? How could the Nigerian government rudely awaken Nigerians on the first day of the year by removing the subsidy and imposing a price double the initial price? This is a President who promised to alleviate the suffering of many, who rode on the backs of numerous Nigerians to be elected into office, now comfortable in office, rather than place the needs of the populace above all; he is paying back the majority who helped elect him with misery and hardship. “No one plucks a chicken to feed his children feathers”. Nevertheless, what is the implication of the removal of fuel subsidy? Fuel subsidy was before this present administration, a policy of the Federal government meant to assist the people of Nigeria, help cushion the effect of economic hardship Therefore it is logical to conclude that fuel subsidy is giving indirect help. As such, the Nigerian government is supposed to offer its citizens better opportunities and hope for the future, not the other way round of the populace helping the government help its people.
Anyway, proponents of the removal of fuel subsidy have a number of valid arguments, primary of which is growth and development. History will remind us of how past administrations increased fuel price. “They said the same thing, we want the lives of Nigerians to be better” when justifying an increment in fuel price. Nigerians are tired of lies and empty promises. For many Nigerians it portends a different story, the poor will get poorer, and the rich will get richer. Again, it will have a far-reaching effect on the populace. Briefly, cost of living will increase, cost of agricultural products will increase causing a spiral change in the economy. With cost of production increasing, cost of consumer products will increase. Some companies would sack their workers to stay afloat. Consumers at the end of the day are affected. What makes the situation unfortunate is with the consumer products increasing and salaries remaining the same, women who are regular shoppers will be at the receiving end. They will bear the main brut of increased cost.
That said understanding that women have a significant role to play in our nation is crucial because they are the catalyst needed for growth and development. They constitute majority of the sellers and buyers who will now buy less particularly with farm products increasing. This is evident with food and transportation more than double its price. However, families will try to argument, again it falls on the side of the woman to create avenues of keeping the family together as consumer products rise.
Their valuable contribution in fostering nation building is necessary to harmonize the diverse sectors and create harmony in the system. Anyway, the decision was delivered and now immutable. With the imperious gesture of our President, the Nigerian people particularly the women must dance to the song chosen for them.
After all, in 2003, Nigeria topped a survey for having the happiest people in the world. (BBC) Consequently, Nigerians were expected to understand the reasons for the removal of fuel subsidy, invariably be happy, and shake hands with the Federal Government. However, if fending for oneself and the family means a further tightening of the purse, the outcome would be less food, less medicine, less schools across the land, the resultant effect is more Nigerians are hungry. In addition, some parents will not have the resources to send their children to school. UNESCO says ten million children are not in school. Of this, 4.7 % have to work to survive. This figure will certainly increase. With this occurrence, the level of economic activity will drop as both the poor and middle class will struggle to stay afloat because they are spending the same amount to buy less.
Some women expressed their views, Mrs. Olajide, runs a business in Lagos. I have had to reduce the money for housekeeping, because the money in not enough to pay our bills. We may have to do away with a number of things. The new price of 97 naira per liter makes no difference transportation is double the price. According to Mrs. Olajide, it is going to take the grace of God to keep up.
Mrs. Ibukun Oladokun lamented the sorry state of the country now reflecting in her household. My husband says it would be difficult to travel to the village for holiday breaks, expenses in the house have increased. We may have to reduce or cut certain foodstuff like chicken, meat etc
Mrs. Ofure, The effect is astronomical, I have decided to visit places of high importance because the cost of transportation is too high so moving about is to places of high importance. For Bisi Williams, The removal of fuel subsidy affected her family; they became stranded in the village due to the hike in cost of transportation. They had to borrow money to add to what they had budgeted for the trip. “We can no longer afford so many things, my son needs a new uniform for school, it will be difficult, am not sure we can afford a new one for him now.
These viewpoints resonant across the country and the brouhaha in the country today speak volumes. The fact is you cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs. The removal will have a recessionary effect on the economy, if truth be told, there are many who stand to benefit from the removal. Invariably, it is an ugly cycle because as much as the government tries to sweep the actions of the importing cabal underground, one wonders how much of the complete picture will be revealed by the communities set up to investigate corrupt practices in the sector. In any case, how effective will the newly chosen individuals allowed into the playing field be? According to the Minister of Petroleum, “We are beginning a new chapter for the Nigerian petroleum industry, as we turn a new page for a new beginning. I think that we have listened to the voice of the people over the last few weeks, as they spoke in unison asking for accelerated reform in the Nigerian oil and gas industry” Alison Madueke, Minister for Petroleum.
Without doubt, it is defitely a new chapter for the sixth largest producer of oil in the world. The challenge today is to sweep the dirt in our country, and expose it. The unfortunate situation is the dirt has remained too long and clogged the system. Now, it is almost too late as the masses are paying for it. The government has no business inflicting pain on its citizens, the government must find a way out of this distress and do its job of convincing Nigerians that this time around their actions are truly for the economic well being of the country and not for enriching a few individuals at the expense of the populace.
Maybe, Nigeria should take a cue from Venezuela, the impact of its oil is visible in the economy. Besides, Petrol is sold at an affordable rate.
Two important lessons that Nigeria can learn from this year’s forum (Davos 2012) is that corruption must be reduced to the bearest minimum and that capital expenditure ratio to recurrent expenditure’s should be reversed to at most, 70% to 30% given the dearth of infrastructure in the country. Investing in infrastructure is investing in the growth of Nigeria. It is now or never.
Our industries are dying by the day. The minister of petroleum can do better. she is simply too arrogant, anyway why did she come back as a minister. We need effective and competent leaders. Our country has been raveged by corruption for too long.
I admire women with power and beauty who are able to use both to help others. Nigerian women in position of authority should be the change and begin to make a difference. If our women can put all their efforts at doing dood and making Nigeria better for the of the people then we on our way to progrees. We have many ministers they should do something.
I was at the demonstrations organised in Nigeria. My uncle visited from the UK and could not return as planned after the holidays due to the stikes. It was sad and an unfortunate occurence. i believe Nigerian are more united in the fight against corruption. I dont know about Nigerian women doing anything to make a difference, time will tell.
Thank you
I am amused. It is not all about the women but Nigerians, the country of ……… we are all instruments of change