APC Governors Forum backs oil subsidy removal

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has thrown its weight behind the oil subsidy removal announced by President Bola Tinubu

Addressing journalists in Bauchi on Friday, members of the forum argued that continual fuel subsidy was not a sustainable for Nigeria’s economy.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, who spoke to State House correspondents after a meeting with the president, hailed the decision to remove fuel subsidy

Uzodinma urged Nigerians to consider sustainable alternatives that would benefit them saying that subsidy removal was long overdue.

“Firstly, the decision about removing fuel subsidy was what presidential candidates promised Nigerians during their campaigns. It is not something new,” he said.

“What the president did was only to say there is no allocation for subsidy in the 2023 budget from June, and that’s the reality.

“The removal of fuel subsidy was what we had decided as members of the economic team during the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“One may wonder why the rush to increase pump prices immediately. Since May 29, I don’t think anybody has imported fuel. What they are selling is still the old stock. We really need to be our brothers’ keepers. There is no way we can be like other nations that we admire without incorporating global practices. The private and public sectors must collaborate to ensure an economy that is free, fair, and competitive.

 “I am sure not many Nigerians are aware of the real issue of oil subsidy and those who are benefiting from it. The fact still remains that no nation can develop through unsustainable economic policies like the oil subsidy. A responsible government must look at it holistically and take a decision that is in the best interest of the citizens”