There is doubt that everything that has disadvantage also has its own advantage and that is how to describe the present fuel subsidy removal.
Although, most people are looking at the bad side of the subsidy removal probably because there were no arrangements on ground to cushion the effects but in the long run, it is believed to be beneficial to all especially the recovery of funds from a few wealthy people who are benefitting from the racket.
However, even as the cushioning effects are yet to be put in place, some good sides have been noticed in the last few weeks of subsidy removal.
The first is that, traffic gridlocks have disappeared on the road as majority of vehicles’ owners have parked thier vehicles hence making the road to be freer like never before. One can now drive and manage the fuel one has unlike before when one’s fuel can finish due to hold-up or traffic jams. One can also book appointments and keep to time without any fear of traffic gridlocks.
Secondly, the roads are now safer. Accidents have disappeared on the roads especially in Abuja. Those staying in the federal capital territory, FCT can attest to the fact that there is no week accident does not happen because of the smoothness of the road and overspeeding by some motorists.
Ever since the pump price of fuel went up, people have been driving between 60km and 80km per hour unlike when fuel was cheaper, people drive on speed not minding whether their fuel will finish since they can afford another but today, they drive to manage the little fuel they can afford to buy.
Noise on roads have reduced because of the few vehicles on the road and especially those using double exhaust. Many of them with double exhaust have parked their cars because of the rate at which they consume fuel.
Queues have also disappeared because only a few are buying fuel for their vehicles and generators unlike before when fuel was cheaper, there was always pressure on fuel attendants and filling stations but the challenge today is that many staff are being laid off due of low patronage.
Aimless driving has also reduced or stopped. Some people are in the habit of driving anywhere in the name of cruising hence causing nuisance on the road.
The number of people trekking to distances have increased hence helping those who are in the habit of driving every minute to everywhere and anywhere to walk. Walking, we are meant to understand, is one of the best form of exercises especially for those who want to burn fat.
Lastly, people are now prudent in their spendings. People no longer waste money on frivolous spendings but are careful to cater for only important and pressing needs since almost everything has gone up. People are not interested in buying clothes, shoes, but set aside money for pressing needs only like fuel, food, just to mention a few.
So, even though the fuel subsidy removal is biting so hard, it still has some good sides and hope that government will cushion the effect as soon as possible to ameliorate the suffering of the people.
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