Impact of fuel subsidy removal on human security in Nasarawa state

Abstract

The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria has generated intense debate due to its wide-ranging implications for economic well-being and social stability, particularly among low- and middle-income households. This study investigates the impact of fuel subsidy removal on human security in Nasarawa State, with specific attention to livelihoods and food security. Anchored on the Human Security Theory and Economic Theory, the study employed a survey research design, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 373 respondents drawn from Keffi, Lafia, and Akwanga Local Government Areas through proportionate and cluster sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis using SPSS Version 27 were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that 50.9% of respondents experienced a high increase in transportation costs, 44.0% reported a high reduction in income or savings, and 41.8% reported a high disruption in access to healthcare and basic services, indicating a significant decline in economic security. Similarly, in terms of food security, 54.7% of respondents reported a high impact on their ability to purchase the same quantity of food, 47.7% indicated a high reduction in food quality, and 47.4% stated that they frequently skipped meals or reduced portion sizes. These findings demonstrate that the removal of fuel subsidies has severely eroded human security in the region, reinforcing theoretical expectations regarding inflationary pressures and economic vulnerability. The study concludes that although the subsidy removal may align with national fiscal objectives, it imposes disproportionate burdens on vulnerable populations. It recommends the implementation of targeted social protection policies, including transport vouchers, food-price stabilization mechanisms, and support for local agricultural productivity, to mitigate the negative effects and foster equitable economic recovery in Nasarawa State.