President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the hardship the elimination of fuel subsidies has caused Nigerians and reassured them that the decision was made with the country’s best interests in mind, particularly in terms of ensuring future development.
The President made this statement on July 12 at the Presidential Villa when he hosted the 18 governors from his class of 1999. He gave Nigerians the reassurance that the mechanism for palliatives to reverse the consequences of the elimination of gasoline subsidies was being developed.
According to Tinubu, the government would exert more effort, move the process forward more quickly, and make sure that the social security system is completely secure and won’t be corrupted, particularly in cash transfers.
“I understand that our people are suffering yet there can be no childbirth without pain. The joy of childbirth is the relief that comes after the pain. Nigeria is reborn already with fuel subsidy removal. It is a rebirth of the country for the largest number over a few smugglers. Please tell the people to be a little patient.
The palliative is coming. I don’t want cash-transfer to fall into wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country,’’ he told the governors, who were led by former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion.
