In Nigeria, the price of fuel (Fuel Oil) subsidized, in the range of the rupiah, berbanderol Rp 3600 per liter. Then, nonsubsidized fuel price per liter were at USD 7890.But, in Nigeria, the majority of people only have an income of Rp 20,000 per day. Records show, the population of Nigeria, now, 160 million people.
As a result, when the government of President Goodluck Jonathan so cut fuel subsidies, the people of Nigeria were on strike en masse. If prolonged, this strike would cripple the economy of Nigeria.
According to the AP and AFP on Monday (01.09.2012), the fuel subsidy is the only benefit to the people of Nigeria from the sale of petroleum. Thus, removal of subsidies led to catastrophe is a nightmare for most people of Nigeria. "With this increase in fuel prices, rising transportation costs and this affects the price of food and other basic needs such as rent, school fees, and hospital costs," said the Nigeria Labor Congress spokesman Chris Uyot.
"All prices are rising while wages are very low in Nigeria. So the issue now is how millions of people of Nigeria can survive?" Uyot added.
Corruption
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan in his television speech to maintain the government's policy to remove fuel subsidies. "We all have to do for the common interest, however much they weigh. Suffering today will pay off with profits in the future," said Jonathan.
Policy changes in the petroleum sector, said Jonathan, is the best way to eradicate corruption and ensure economic improvement Nigeria.
"The reality we are facing two basic choices. Are we going to change policy and save the economy or we continue the subsidy that would hamper economic growth and will face the consequences," added Jonathan.
Jonathan added that the government will cut the salaries of senior state officials by 25 percent. The Government will also work to limit trips to overseas officials.
With these savings, according to Jonathan, the Nigerian government says it will accumulate enough funds to improve the quality of services in the health sector, education, and power supplies.
Since the beginning of this year, the people of Nigeria to protest because the price of fuel and transportation costs soared until doubled. Besides the threat of a strike, now seen long lines at various stations in Nigeria because people tried to buy fuel for supplies.
Despite being one of the world's top oil exporter, Nigeria does not build oil processing facilities. As a result, the country was forced to import most of the fuel oil.