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10/10/11 (AEIN) The Nigerian government's proposal to end subsidies on fuel and use the funds for other purposes has been met with concern by some lawmakers and organizations. However, some in Nigeria have voiced conditional support for the measure.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported on Sunday that the Independent Marketers Association supports eliminating fuel subsidies, but urges a gradual end to them. An association official stated that the subsidy costs too much and funds would be better used on infrastructure, medical services and education. He warned that many people in Nigeria remain suspicious of the government's motives.
When asked about the proposal by the Sunday Vanguard newspaper, several members of the country's legislature expressed skepticism about how the funds would be used. Some warned that eliminating the subsidy would raise prices and harm the poor, while others supported its removal but only if the funds were used by the government to improve public health or education services.
Located in western Africa, Nigeria is among the world's major oil exporters. Like many oil producers, it subsidizes the cost of petroleum products. Widespread corruption often affects the public's perception of government decisions and proposals.