During an interview on Trust TV, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Idi Farouk, drew attention to the financial implications of fuel subsidy removal and the responsibilities it has placed on state governments. His comments came amid growing public scrutiny over how increased revenues are being managed at the sub national level.
Farouk noted that the removal of the subsidy significantly altered revenue flows, particularly for states, which now receive higher monthly allocations. He explained that this development has shifted the focus of accountability from the federal government alone to governors who now control more resources.
Speaking on the programme, Farouk said, “After subsidy was removed and states began receiving more money, the question Nigerians should ask is: what exactly are the governors doing with these funds?” He made the remark while addressing concerns about transparency and service delivery across the country.
He argued that the expectation following subsidy removal was that states would channel the additional funds into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare. According to him, Nigerians were told the policy would translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
Farouk pointed out that despite the increase in allocations, many communities have yet to see visible changes that reflect the new financial reality. He said this gap between revenue growth and public impact has fueled skepticism among citizens.
During the discussion, he emphasized that the issue is not merely about how much money states receive, but how effectively those resources are deployed. He stressed that prudent management and clear priorities are essential for justifying the policy shift.
Farouk also referenced the lack of clear communication from some state governments regarding spending plans and project execution. He noted that limited disclosure has made it difficult for the public to assess whether funds are being used as intended.
He added that transparency mechanisms at the state level remain weak, making it harder to track expenditures tied to subsidy savings. According to him, this has created room for speculation and mistrust.
The former NOA boss maintained that governors must be held to higher standards of accountability given their expanded financial capacity. He said citizens have a right to demand explanations and measurable outcomes from their leaders.
SOURCE: trendyblogspot