The Federal Government has offered reassurance that the recent removal of fuel subsidy, which has caused discomfort for many citizens, will be a temporary hardship.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris conveyed this message during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja
Idris said that the ultimate benefit of ending the subsidy would primarily favour the average citizen.
He pointed out that the subsidy regime had, regrettably, only benefited a few people who were enjoying the nation’s resources 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.
Idris explained, “Fuel subsidy removal is like the pregnant woman due for delivery and in labour; 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 mother’s joy knows no bounds. 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.”
According to NAN, the Minister recalled that within the first few months of administration funds to the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory for palliative to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.
“This is because Tinubu believes that the state governors are people who know their terrains well.
“He also made available assorted grains and fertilizers to help mitigate 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.
Kanyi Daily ecalls that President Bola Tinubu also had revealed his plans to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidies.