Fuel Subsidy Removal: Nigerians’ pain temporary – FGN
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has reassured that the pains being experienced by Nigerians over the recent removal of fuel subsidy will be temporary.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He explained that it was obvious that the ultimate benefits of the removal of the subsidy would be reaped by the common man.
According to him, it was regrettable that only a few people were, hitherto, benefitting from the subsidy regime, adding that the few were enjoying the commonwealth of the entire country at the expense of the majority.
He said: “So, President Bola Tinubu said, he would not be part of that. He stands with the majority of Nigerians.
“Although, the removal will be painful at the beginning, but it will be better for all of us at the end,” he said.
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“Fuel subsidy removal is like the pregnant woman due for delivery and in labour; when she is in labour pains, she will feel and prefer she never had the opportunity to bear a child.
“However, after the child is delivered, then 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 at the end, we will be better for it; that is what President Bola Tinubu believes in, and that is what he is preaching”.
The Minister recalled that, within the first few months of Tinubu’s administration, he allocated funds to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for palliatives to cushion the effect of subsidy removal
“This is because Tinubu believes that the state governors are people who know their terrains very well.
“He also made available assorted grains and fertilisers to help cushion the immediate concerns of Nigerians about the removal of fuel subsidy.
“I can assure you that in the long run, Nigeria will be better for it,” Idris added.
NAN