Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, says the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu administration was a good reform but implemented in the wrong way.
Ezekwesili stated this on Monday during the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Conference at the International Conference Centre in Enugu.
According to her, although the move was necessary, it was not well-prepared for and has worsened inflationary pressures on ordinary Nigerians.
“It is possible to implement the right policy in the wrong way. When that happens, the results can be counterproductive.
“The fuel subsidy removal was a good reform, but it was not properly prepared for. Inflation is punishing the populace, especially the poor,” she said.
This comes after an earlier presentation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who emphasized the significance of prioritizing research and production as a pathway to Nigeria’s prosperity, citing China’s heavy investment in research and development.
The ex-Minister, however, argued that reforms must be carefully sequenced and designed to protect vulnerable groups.
She faulted the way in which the subsidy removal was announced, noting that the immediate impact plunged many households into hardship.
