Fuel Subsidy Removal Strike in Nigeria: A study of Selected National Newspaper Reports

Abstract

The Nigerian Government reviews the prices of petroleum products upwards from time to time. Early in 2012, it removed the fuel subsidy, resulting in fierce protests by many citizens. The objection to the resultant pump price hike by many Nigerians led to a somewhat downward review of the prices. The unfolding events featured prominently in the media. This study presents the coverage of the fuel subsidy removal saga by some selected national newspapers. Findings from the contents analyzed show that all the newspapers investigated gave significant coverage to the fuel subsidy removal demonstrations across the country. However, certain newspapers were found to be subjective in their reportage, thus raising ethical questions. The study recommends, amongst others, that some editors should consider public interest as paramount in crisis reporting.
Keywords: Newspaper coverage, fuel subsidy, Nigeria, Daily Sun, The Punch, Daily Trust, Strike action.