FG Tells Nigerians to Endure, fuel subsidy hardships … assures that it’s temporary

By Iyojo Ameh

In the wake of the recent removal of fuel subsidy, President Bola Tinubu’s government has offered reassurances to the Nigerian populace that the hardships being experienced will be temporary.

The Minister clarified that the decision to eliminate the subsidy was driven by the government’s commitment to ensuring that the common citizen would ultimately reap the benefits of this policy shift.

He expressed regret over the fact that only a select few had been benefiting from the subsidy system, essentially enjoying the nation’s resources at the expense of the majority.

President Tinubu, according to Mr. Idris, was resolute in his stance against such a situation and stands with the majority of Nigerians. The removal of fuel subsidy, though acknowledged to be painful initially, is expected to yield long-term benefits for all citizens.

Comparing it to a pregnant woman in labor, Minister Idris explained, “Fuel subsidy removal is like the pregnant woman due for delivery and in labor; when she is in labor pains, she will feel and prefer she never had the opportunity to bear a child.

However, after the child is delivered, the woman will hold her baby, smile, and become the happiest woman in the world. I think that analogy can be applied to this issue of fuel subsidy removal. So, the pains will be temporary, but in the end, we will be better for it; that is what President Bola Tinubu believes in, and that is what he is preaching.”

Mr. Idris went on to emphasize that President Tinubu had already taken steps to mitigate the immediate effects of the subsidy removal. In the early months of his administration, funds were allocated to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to provide palliatives. Additionally, assorted grains and fertilizers were made available to help cushion the immediate concerns of Nigerians.

The Minister concluded by stating, “I can assure you that in the long run, Nigeria will be better for it.” President Tinubu’s government remains committed to its vision of a brighter future for all Nigerians.