Amid the controversy surrounding moves by the National Assembly management to purchase 360 luxury Prado Jeeps worth N32bn (N130, 000,000) each, for members of the House of Representatives, the federal government has asked Nigerians to endure the current hardship and economic downturn in the country.
The FG through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, during an interview in Abuja, said that the current hardship was temporary.
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He also explained that the Nigerians will benefit from the subsidy removal policy, as he regretted that only a select few benefited from the subsidy system, essentially enjoying the nation’s resources at the expense of the majority.
President Tinubu, according to Mr. Idris, was resolute in his stance against such a situation and stands with the majority of Nigerians. The removal of fuel subsidy, though acknowledged to be painful initially, is expected to yield long-term benefits for all citizens.
Comparing it to a pregnant woman in labor, Minister Idris 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, 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.
Mr. Idris went on to emphasize that President Tinubu had already taken steps to mitigate the immediate effects of the subsidy removal. In the early months of his administration, funds were allocated to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to provide palliatives. Additionally, assorted grains and fertilizers were made available to help cushion the immediate concerns of Nigerians.
The Minister concluded by stating, “I can assure you that in the long run, Nigeria will be better for it.” President Tinubu’s government remains committed to its vision of a brighter future for all Nigerians.
