Former Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has said former President Muhammadu Buhari intentionally left the petrol subsidy in place to protect Nigerians from severe hardship and rising fatalities.

During an interview on ARISE Television, Nwajiuba defended Buhari’s economic policies, stating that the former president prioritized the well-being of Nigerians during turbulent global conditions.

“He kept the subsidy because he didn’t want Nigerians to die,” Nwajiuba said, arguing that the level of suffering and deaths in recent years has surpassed what occurred during Buhari’s time in office.

He pointed to the country’s ability to recover from two economic recessions and navigate the COVID-19 crisis under Buhari’s leadership, noting that the naira remained relatively stable at under N500 to the dollar when Buhari left office.

The former minister also referenced data from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), which recorded over 180 company closures in the last two years—something he believes shows a decline in economic stability compared to Buhari’s era.

He further highlighted progress in sectors such as mining, oil reforms, and non-oil exports, crediting Buhari’s policies for the improvements.

“Buhari may not have had his hands on every detail, but his leadership was intentional and made a real impact,” Nwajiuba concluded.