Atiku’s Fuel Subsidy Plan: Yuguda Reveals What He Discovered In 2009

Former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, has revealed that the Federal Government’s 2009 Fuel Subsidy Task Force uncovered serious irregularities, fraudulent practices and financial leakages that placed a significant strain on Nigeria’s finances.

Yuguda made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking at a policy roundtable organised by the APC Professionals Forum, where he also criticised the proposal by African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to restore fuel subsidy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Yuguda, his experience as chairman of the 2009 Fuel Subsidy Task Force gave him firsthand knowledge of the weaknesses within the subsidy system and the extent to which public funds were allegedly lost through inefficiencies and fraudulent claims.

He urged Nigerians to carefully scrutinise economic promises ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly proposals that may offer immediate relief but could have long-term consequences for the country’s finances.

Yuguda said Atiku’s proposal to reintroduce fuel subsidy might appear attractive to Nigerians facing rising living costs, but argued that the country’s previous experience with the policy should not be overlooked.

He maintained that the former subsidy regime was associated with leakages, fraudulent practices and inefficiencies, which placed a heavy burden on government finances.

The former governor warned that restoring the system without first addressing the weaknesses that plagued it could undermine the financial gains achieved through recent reforms and reduce the resources available for critical sectors.

Yuguda also commended President Bola Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy, describing the decision as a difficult but necessary reform.

He said successive administrations had recognised the need to reform or remove the subsidy but lacked the political capacity to fully implement the measure.

According to him, Tinubu demonstrated the political courage required to carry out a reform that previous governments had acknowledged as necessary.

Yuguda argued that resources previously committed to sustaining the subsidy could instead be channelled into sectors such as education, security, agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure, which he said have a more direct impact on citizens and national development.

He further cautioned that political promises surrounding fuel subsidy should be assessed on the basis of economic realities, past experiences and long-term sustainability rather than their immediate appeal to voters.

While acknowledging Atiku’s right to present an alternative economic policy, Yuguda said Nigerians deserved a broader and more honest conversation about the actual cost of the former subsidy regime and how public resources could be better deployed.

“Having chaired the 2009 Fuel Subsidy Task Force and witnessed the weaknesses of that system firsthand, I believe Nigerians deserve an honest conversation about what subsidy truly cost the nation and what can now be achieved when those resources are directed towards education, security, agriculture, infrastructure, and other areas that improve citizens’ lives,” Yuguda said.

He explained that the APC Professionals Forum was established to promote evidence-based discussions on national issues and provide a platform where professionals, policymakers and members of the public could examine policies affecting the country.

Yuguda said the forum would continue to serve as a platform for constructive criticism, policy analysis and the exchange of ideas aimed at finding sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s economic and developmental challenges.