IMPACT OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON NIGERIANS' LIVING STANDARDS: A TWITTER-BASED ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the living standards of Nigerians,
with a particular focus on conversations on Twitter (now X). Following the government's decision to
eliminate oil subsidies, there are growing concerns about rising fuel prices and their effects on daily life. This
research employs contents analysis of tweets related to this policy shift, spanning from the Goodluck
Jonathan administration to the present. The objectives are threefold: to evaluate how subsidy removal has
influenced the cost of living, to identify prevalent public concerns and sentiments, and to explore coping
mechanisms discussed online. The findings indicate a significant rise in living costs, with users expressing
frustration, anger, and despair regarding inflation and decreased purchasing power. Many lower-income
individuals feel disproportionately affected, highlighting the policy’s broader socioeconomic implications.
Coping strategies shared among users reveal a resilient yet strained population adapting to new economic
realities. This analysis underscores the importance of considering public sentiment in policymaking and
suggests the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable groups amid ongoing economic
challenges.