The State and Politics of Public Policy Making in Nigeria: The Dilemma of Fuel Subsidy Removal Policy

Abstract

Nigeria has struggled with several developmental policies since independence in 1960. These policies seem to have failed to address numerous challenges that prompted their adoptions, mainly because of the character of Nigerian state, alien nature of the policies, poor implementation and class preferences. This paper examined the gap between class consensus and public choice in Nigeria’s policy process with a specific focus on subsidy removal. It argued that lack of synergy between rentier class preferences and the pressing needs of Nigerians as well as leadership distrust seemed to have remained the greatest dilemma confronting subsidy policy in Nigeria. It concluded that this seemingly disconnect between the rulers and the ruled coupled with unrepentant pseudo and pretences of government have characteristically plunged subsidy removal policy in the morgue where political brigands audaciously plunder the gains accruable from it. The study adopted qualitative descriptive analytical methods and relied on the theory of rentier state. It recommended a paradigm shift from the hitherto ruling class design policies to an all inclusive approach in which democratic institutions and citizens will play a major role in determining what forms the policies of the Nigerian State.

Keywords: State, Politics, Public Policy, Subsidy Removal