President Tinubu (photo credit:Twitter/@OfficialABAT)
President Bola Tinubu has explained why it is important to remove fuel subsidies completely, pointing out that Nigeria can’t continue to subsidize petrol and indirectly encourage smugglers while simultaneously playing a beneficent supplier role for neighboring countries.
According to a statement by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, President Tinubu addressed the Royal Fathers, who are members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), during an interactive session held at the Aso Rock Villa on Friday.
The President discussed various topics, including the decision to remove fuel subsidies, enhance security, generate employment opportunities, protect the environment, and the upcoming election of principal officers for the 10th National Assembly.
‘‘I am happy that you have been paying attention to what I have been doing. You paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighboring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas?
‘‘The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have the potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing,’’
Several speakers expressed their support for eliminating the fuel subsidy. President Bola Tinubu asked traditional leaders to utilize their influence to encourage Nigerians to remain hopeful, promising that petrol costs would eventually fall.
President Tinubu, while acknowledging the concerns regarding the necessity of crucial infrastructure across the nation, made a commitment that his government would eliminate any obstacles hindering the progress of the Nigerian people.
Regarding the leadership of the National Assembly, President Tinubu urged the royal fathers to offer guidance to their subjects aspiring for elective positions, emphasizing the importance of managing their ambitions and fostering harmony within the legislative house.