African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore says Nigeria’s Federal Government continues paying fuel subsidies “in secret,” despite having publicly claimed their removal. Speaking on Arise Television’s “Morning Show” on Tuesday, Sowore argues that subsidies are not limited to petrol and that the government is also supporting the naira via a preferred exchange rate.

Sowore links the alleged continuation of subsidies to wider economic effects, saying the end or reduction of subsidies has increased poverty and contributed to a sharp fall in the value of the naira. He also criticises the government for favouring wealthy groups through waivers and customs concessions, while ordinary Nigerians bear the cost. He rejects the idea that subsidies are always harmful, saying other countries subsidise their poor, but argues Nigeria’s benefits disproportionately accrue to the rich.

The two reports are aligned in attributing the claims to Sowore and in citing his interview on Arise Television; they do not include a direct response from the Nigerian government or supporting evidence.