FG assures Nigerians that fuel subsidy removal pains are temporary

The Federal Government of Nigeria has sought to reassure its citizens that the recent removal of fuel subsidy, which has led to increased fuel prices, will only result in temporary hardships. Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, provided this assurance during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

Idris stressed that while the removal of the subsidy may initially cause difficulties, the ultimate beneficiaries of this policy would be the common citizens. He pointed out that the subsidy system had only favored a small percentage of the population, allowing a few individuals to benefit from the nation’s resources at the expense of the majority.

President Bola Tinubu, according to the minister, chose to stand with the majority of Nigerians and address this issue. Although the removal may bring temporary pain, it is expected to result in long-term benefits for all.

In explaining the analogy, Idris said that removing fuel subsidies could be likened to a pregnant woman experiencing labor pains. Initially, she may wish she hadn’t chosen to bear a child. However, once the child is delivered, she experiences joy and happiness. Similarly, while the subsidy removal may cause short-term difficulties, the country will ultimately benefit from it.

The minister also highlighted that President Tinubu took immediate steps to provide palliatives to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, acknowledging the need for measures to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal. Various food supplies and fertilizers were distributed to help alleviate the immediate concerns of Nigerians.

In conclusion, Idris emphasized that Nigeria would ultimately see long-term improvements as a result of the subsidy removal and that the temporary pains should not overshadow the expected benefits. President Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring the nation’s welfare in the long run.

Credit: NAN