Subsidy Removal: Relief is on the way, be a little patient –  Tinubu Tells Nigerians

Assuring that the decision was made in the greatest interest of the nation, particularly in ensuring future prosperity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says he recognizes the pain caused by the termination of fuel subsidies.

At a gathering of 18 fellow Class of 1999 governors at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu pleaded with Nigerians to exercise greater patience.

He gave Nigerians the reassurance that the mechanism for palliatives to reverse the consequences of the elimination of gasoline subsidies was being developed.

According to Tinubu, the government would exert more effort, move the process forward more quickly, and make sure that the social security system is completely secure and won’t be corrupted, particularly in cash transfers.

“I understand that our people are suffering yet there can be no childbirth without pain. The joy of childbirth is the relief that comes after the pain. Nigeria is reborn already with fuel subsidy removal. It is a rebirth of the country for the largest number over a few smugglers. Please tell the people to be a little patient.”

The palliative is coming. I don’t want cash-transfer to fall into wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country,’’ he told the governors, who were led by former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion.

In a previous letter to the House of Representatives, Tinubu asked for a change to the 2023 supplementary appropriation legislation that would allow for the inclusion of N500 billion for the provision of palliative care for Nigerians.

Wednesday’s plenary session saw the reading of the president’s letter by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

He claimed that the request became essential so that the government could give Nigerians palliatives to lessen the effects of the elimination of fuel subsidies.