The removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government six months ago has resulted in ongoing hardship for Nigerians.

Additionally, citizens are still waiting for the promised palliatives from both the Federal Government and various state governments.

While the Federal Government announced a N35,000 wage increase, different state governments pledged amounts ranging from N10,000 to N25,000 as relief measures.

The volatile exchange rate has further exacerbated the situation. Staple food prices, transportation costs, and other essential services continue to skyrocket.

The government had promised initiatives such as the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles. However, citizens feel that none of these promises have been fulfilled.

Transportation fares have tripled across the country due to the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). With petrol prices hovering around N600 to N650, there is no hope for a reduction in transportation costs anytime soon. This situation is causing financial strain for citizens.

President Bola Tinubu announced plans to invest N100 billion in acquiring 3,000 CNG-powered buses for mass transportation. However, there has been no noticeable intervention by the government, and commuting within the country continues to be difficult.

The cash transfer program, which was announced by the President to target vulnerable citizens, has not been effectively implemented. Many citizens are yet to receive any cash transfers, leading to skepticism and concerns about the program’s effectiveness.

The government has also assured that the Port Harcourt refinery will commence operations by December 2023, with the expectation that the cost of petrol will decrease. However, Nigerians remain skeptical about the government’s ability to fulfill this promise and doubt that the refinery will start functioning as planned.

While some individuals urge hope and patience until the year’s end, others express frustration and a lack of trust in the government’s promises. The high cost of petrol continues to impact commodity prices in the market.

Overall, Nigerians are facing increasing challenges due to the subsidy removal, and the promised palliatives are yet to provide the expected relief.