Agbakoba Backs Tinubu’s Subsidy Removal, Calls for Reduced Ministerial Positions and Institutionalized Palliatives

Renowned legal luminary and human rights activist, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, stating that it was necessary to correct the economy.

However, Agbakoba also highlighted the slow pace at which the government is tackling the problem of hardship, and suggested several measures to improve the situation.

Agbakoba emphasized the need to reduce the number of ministers from 48 to 10 or 12, arguing that many ministries could be merged or abolished, such as the Ministry of Information, which he believes has a redundant role.

He also proposed the abolition of the Ministry of Agriculture and Housing, stating that the government has no house and does not need a Minister of Housing.

Furthermore, Agbakoba pointed out the importance of institutionalizing the palliative process, citing the example of the United States, which uses social security to offer support to the aged, the poor, and the unemployed.

He suggested that Nigeria could use existing identification tools like BVN and NIN to verify people who are qualified for the palliative.

Despite his support for the subsidy removal, Agbakoba acknowledged that there is a gap in the consequential follow-up, leading to the current hardship.

He called for the urgent passage of a social security act to address this issue and ensure that the money being generated from the subsidy removal is used effectively for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

Agbakoba’s backing of President Tinubu’s subsidy removal highlights the importance of addressing the current economic challenges in Nigeria, and his recommendations for reducing ministerial positions and implementing institutionalized palliatives could pave the way for a more efficient and effective government.