Atiku Abubakar: Everywhere In The World, There Are Subsidies On Everything – Sheikh Gumi Reveals

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has questioned the approach adopted by the Federal Government towards fuel subsidy removal, insisting that subsidies remain common in many countries and can serve as an important form of economic support for citizens.

The Islamic cleric expressed this view during an interview on PAPShow on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while examining the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to discontinue petrol subsidies in 2023 and the hardship that followed.

According to Gumi, although Nigeria’s economic situation may have made subsidy reforms necessary, the government should have put adequate support systems in place to reduce the burden on ordinary Nigerians.

He reinforced his argument by declaring, “Everywhere in the world, there are subsidies on everything.”

Gumi explained that different governments around the world provide subsidies on essential products and services as a way of assisting their citizens and reducing the cost of living.

He noted that Nigeria could also benefit from similar interventions if public money were properly managed. However, he warned that corruption and poor administration could undermine the effectiveness of subsidy programmes and prevent the funds from reaching the people they are intended to help.

The cleric also expressed concern that removing fuel subsidies without sufficient social protection measures has worsened the financial situation of many households. He pointed to the increasing cost of transportation and essential commodities as additional challenges facing Nigerians.

He therefore called on the government to expand programmes designed to support low-income earners and other disadvantaged members of society.

Furthermore, Gumi warned against restoring fuel subsidies without addressing the corruption and accountability problems associated with public spending. He argued that simply reintroducing the policy would not guarantee relief unless the funds were properly monitored and utilised.

He maintained that the government must adopt economic policies that promote financial responsibility while also protecting citizens from excessive hardship.

Gumi concluded that the welfare of ordinary Nigerians should remain a major consideration in government decisions, stressing that vulnerable households should not be left to bear the full consequences of economic reforms.

Click on the link to watch the video from 22:59 – 23:07

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