The Federal Government through its Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has reiterated during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, that the pain presently faced by Nigerians over the removal of fuel subsidy is not permanent. The Minister explained that it was obvious that the ultimate benefits of the removal of the subsidy would be reaped by the common man. Idris said 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. “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, it will be better for all of us at the end,” he said.
The minister 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, 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 in the end, we will be better for it; that is what President Bola Tinubu believes in, and that is what he is preaching”.
NAN reported that the Minister further reviewed, that within the first few months, Tinubu's administration has disbursed funds to 36 and the Federal Capital Territory for palliatives to curb the effect of the removal of subsidy.
“This is because Tinubu believes that the state governors are people who know their terrains very well.“He also made available assorted grains and fertilizers 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 said.
