Petrol Subsidy Removal and the cost of living among Staff of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), 2023- 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of petrol subsidy removal on the cost of living among staff at Federal University Lokoja (FUL) between 2023 and 2025, this is due to the implications of subsidy reform on micro-level welfare outcomes for public-sector employees. The research objectives examine: perceptions of academic staff on effects of petrol subsidy removal, the impact of petrol subsidy removal on the cost of living among FUL staff, the effect of petrol subsidy removal on the productivity of academic staff at FUL and identify measures for mitigating the adverse impact of petrol subsidy removal on the university staff. The Resource Curse Theory was adopted as the theoretical frame of the study. The research method was quantitative using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 150 staff members via structured questionnaires. Responses were analyzed using purely descriptive method. Findings show 51.4% of the respondents indicated that their monthly expenses had increased by between 41% and 60%, while a further 35.9% reported an even higher increase of over 60%, with food and transportation recording the greatest cost escalation. The economic strain reduced participation in research and academic events and prompted 74.6% of respondents to seek supplementary income. Staff overwhelmingly endorsed institutional palliatives, salary adjustments, transport support, and expanded welfare schemes as necessary mitigations. The study recommends targeted government interventions to increase staff welfare funding, provision of accommodations to staff on campus to reduce the burden of fuel expenses.