ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH IN MINNA, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Fuel subsidy removal refers to the decision of the Nigerian government to stop the financial assistance it provides to keep the price of fuel low. In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the impact of fuel subsidy removal on various aspects of society. However, little research has been conducted to examine the specific consequences of fuel subsidy removal on family mental health, particularly in the city of Minna, Niger State Nigeria. This study aimed at assessing the impacts of fuel subsidy removal on family mental health in Minna, Niger state, with the view of assessing the levels of stress, anxiety, and other mental health indicators experienced by families in Minna as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy and identifying any potential factors that may mitigate the mental health effects of fuel subsidy removal. Primary and secondary data were employed in the study. 318 questionnaires were successfully administered to 318 households in the study area. Qualitative data were required and analysed using descriptive statistics. The study shows that the removal of fuel subsidy has maximal (92.5%) effect on family overall expenses making the families in the area to experienced a high negative change in their mental health and 64.2% of the people felt stress daily especially from the cost of transportation. Intra-city and inter-state mass transit with minimal fare should be provided by the government for the people, families should be assisted with loan to start up business to help cushion the effects of mental health stress on the people in Niger State.