Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has asserted that state governors, rather than President Bola Tinubu, are responsible for explaining how funds from the petrol subsidy removal are utilised. Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Ogun State, Abiodun argued that state governments receive larger allocations from the Federation Account as a direct result of the subsidy policy, making them the primary custodians of the additional revenue.
Governors, Not President, Should Provide Accountability
According to a report by Daily Trust, Abiodun pushed back against opposition politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who have demanded that the Tinubu administration account for the N15.8 trillion mobilised since the subsidy was removed. The governor dismissed such calls, insisting that it is governors who collect the funds and therefore must answer for their use.
"They said they want to return the subsidy. Are they mad? They were asking our leader to explain what he did with subsidy removal gains," Abiodun said in Yoruba. "It is we (governors) that should make such explanations because it is we, state governors, that collect the money. Besides, what have we been using to build roads, schools, provide good housing and incentives for farmers? Isn't it from subsidy?"
Infrastructure Spending and 2027 Election Confidence
The governor highlighted that the additional revenue flowing to states since the subsidy removal in June 2023 has been channelled into roads, schools, housing, and support for farmers. He maintained that this spending pattern demonstrates that states, not the federal government, are the primary recipients and spenders of the fiscal space created by the policy.
Abiodun also used the rally to signal APC's confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning opposition parties that the ruling party would outperform them at the polls.
Subsidy Removal Debate Intensifies
His comments come amid an intense political argument over the fiscal consequences of the subsidy removal. Atiku Abubakar, the APC presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has consistently criticised the Tinubu administration for failing to provide a clear account of how the savings were spent. Atiku has also pledged to restore the subsidy if he wins the 2027 presidential election.
President Tinubu rejected that proposal outright, describing it as reflecting what he called "serious ignorance of governance and economy." He also pointed out that several state governments were unable to pay workers' salaries and pensions before his administration took office, crediting his economic reforms with stabilising state finances.
Governors' Forum Proposes CNG Transit Programme
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors' Forum has proposed a national CNG transit programme to reduce public transportation costs across the country. States are expected to support vehicle conversions and infrastructure development under the plan, with transport operators committing to lower fares. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri said cheaper transport fares could trigger a broader drop in the cost of goods and services for ordinary Nigerians.
