The Federal Government has provided reassurance that the current challenges faced by Nigerians due to the recent removal of fuel subsidy will be temporary, emphasizing that the ultimate benefits will be for the common man. Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, affirmed this commitment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to Idris, the removal of the subsidy is aimed at ensuring that the benefits are distributed more equitably among the populace. He expressed regret that only a few individuals were benefiting from the subsidy, exploiting the nation’s common wealth at the expense of the majority.
President Bola Tinubu, in alignment with the majority of Nigerians, believes that although the initial removal will cause discomfort, the long-term gains will outweigh the short-term pains. Idris used an analogy, likening the removal to a pregnant woman experiencing labor pains but finding joy and happiness after the delivery.
He stated, “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, then the woman will hold her baby, smile and becomes the happiest woman in the world.”
The minister assured that President Tinubu, within the first few months of his administration, allocated funds to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for palliatives to alleviate the effects of subsidy removal. Additionally, assorted grains and fertilizers were provided to address immediate concerns. Idris affirmed Tinubu’s belief that, in the long run, Nigeria will benefit from the removal of fuel subsidy.
