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The Socioeconomic Impacts of Fuel Subsidy Removal and Coping Strategies of Residents of Lafia LGA, Nasarawa State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis

Niagwan, Timothy Terver; Nomsoor, Andrew Aondosoo

Abstract

The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria has been a subject of intense public discourse, particularly due to its potential economic, social, political and environmental implications. This study investigated the socioeconomic impact of the policy and the coping strategies employed by residents of Lafia LGA of Nasarawa state, Nigeria, in response to the fuel subsidy removal, exploring the individual, household, and community-level adaptations that have been made. Within the specific socioeconomic context, this paper, evaluated the adaptive strategies used by residents, including shifts in consumption patterns, reliance on alternative energy sources, and changes in daily routines. In-depth interviews were conducted with a randomly selected sample of residents of Lafia LGA, to capture their lived experiences. The findings of the study revealed that the fuel subsidy removal policy has had significant negative impacts on the socioeconomic well-being of residents in the study area. The findings further revealed that the residents’ coping strategies included changes in consumption patterns, diversification of employment and income sources, and lifestyle and behavioral changes. However, the study’s findings indicated that while residents in the study area have adopted coping strategies, these had often proven to be inadequate, leading to increased financial stress and a deterioration in the overall quality of life. The study recommended policy interventions to mitigate the adverse impacts of the policy, including targeted social welfare programmes and improved public transport systems.

Keywords

SubsidySubsidy RemovalSocioeconomic ImpactsCoping Strategies

References

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