{
  "id": 4646291,
  "title": "Fuel Subsidy Return will Cripple Nigeria’s Economy – Cleric",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/fuel-subsidy-return-will-cripple-nigerias-economy-cleric",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T11:12:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/fuel-subsidy-return-will-cripple-nigerias-economy-cleric/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sheikh Haliru Maraya, a Kaduna-based Islamic scholar and former Special Adviser to two Kaduna State governors, has cautioned that reinstating the fuel subsidy regime could severely damage Nigeria's economy and hinder the government's ability to meet other essential obligations. Responding to politicians' calls for the fuel subsidy's return ahead of the 2027 general elections, Maraya emphasized that Nigeria can no longer afford the financial strain the policy imposes. He urged the public to remain patient while the government dismantles the subsidy, emphasizing that resources previously allocated to subsidizing petrol could be channeled into infrastructure and other development initiatives. According to Maraya, Nigeria consumes between 47 million and 64 million liters of petrol daily, with the total cost per liter, including refining, transportation, insurance, and customs charges, amounting to approximately N1,218. He calculated that if the government were to reintroduce the subsidy, it would spend roughly N52.3 billion daily, which translates to about N1.6 trillion monthly and over N19 trillion annually. Maraya questioned where the nation would obtain such funds amidst competing national priorities, noting that Nigeria's 2026 budget is currently N68.3 trillion. He warned that bringing back the subsidy without a viable financing strategy could lead to the economy's collapse in the near future, thus impeding government operations and economic activities nationwide. Maraya cautioned that a renewed subsidy without a sustainable financing plan could exacerbate economic pressures, disrupt government functioning, and adversely impact economic activities across the country. He called for the urgent restoration and construction of Nigeria's existing refineries and the development of new ones, arguing that increased domestic refining capacity could mitigate some petroleum-related challenges. Maraya expressed hope that Nigerians would exercise patience until the four refineries are repaired and new ones are built, stating that the funds saved from the subsidy's removal could be invested in projects that improve citizens' lives. He also cautioned politicians aiming for elective offices in 2027 against making unrealistic campaign pledges, urging them to be honest about Nigeria's economic reality and avoid deceiving voters with unattainable promises, as God disfavors lies and deception.",
  "summary": "A Kaduna-based Islamic scholar and former Special Adviser to two former governors of Kaduna State, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, has warned that returning to the fuel subsidy regime could cripple Nigeria’s economy and leave the government unable to meet other critical obligations. Maraya, while reacting to calls by some politicians for the restoration of fuel subsidy […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}