THE EFFECT OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON THE COST OF LIVING ON CIVIL SERVANTS IN SOME SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN BAUCHI STATE
Usman Bashir
Volume 5 Issue 2
Abstract
The study examines the effects of fuel subsidy removal on civil servants in some selected local governments in Bauchi state, emphasizing challenges such as higher transportation costs, inflation, and reduced disposable income. These economic pressures have resulted in greater financial hardship, declining job satisfaction, and overall diminished wellbeing. It anchored in Systems Theory, the research employs a quantitative methodology, utilizing structured questionnaires to gather data from 314 civil servants, with the sample size determined using Yamane’s formula. The findings indicate that fuel subsidy removal has substantially escalated the cost of living, placing financial strain on civil servants and lowering job satisfaction. Respondents highlighted rising transportation and living costs, which negatively affected their economic stability and workplace performance. In response, civil servants adopted coping mechanisms, including budgeting, exploring alternative income sources, and engaging in community support programs. The study recommends implementing targeted palliatives, revising wage structures, improving public transportation, and adopting a phased approach to subsidy removal. These measures aim to alleviate the financial burden on civil servants. The findings provide crucial insights for policymakers and stakeholders in addressing the socio-economic implications of such policy reforms. Keywords: Fuel Subsidy Removal, Financial Strain, Job Satisfaction, Cost of Living, Economic Stability.
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