Ex-minister Dalung calls for fuel subsidy return, slams govt corruption effort

Former Youth and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung told Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday that Nigeria should reintroduce fuel subsidy because its removal has not helped ordinary citizens and instead enriched a few government officials. He argued that the subsidy withdrawal has failed to deliver the promised benefits and has worsened hardship for many Nigerians.

Dalung also criticised the government’s anti‑corruption drive, saying the administration lacks the capacity to tackle graft and that its foundation is built on corruption. However, he praised President Bola Tinubu for pressing the National Assembly to pass the State Police Act, noting that the benefits of state policing will take time to materialise.

With fuel prices already high and public trust in anti‑graft agencies low, Dalung’s remarks revive the debate over whether bringing back subsidy would ease living costs or simply drain public funds. Should Nigerians push for subsidy return despite the fiscal burden, or demand stronger anti‑corruption measures and explore alternative reliefs such as targeted cash transfers or improved public transport?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/25/ex-buhari-minister-backs-reintroduction-of-subsidy/