Former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai has said the federal government is paying more on fuel subsidies now than before.
El-Rufai sheds light on the current state of fuel subsidies in Nigeria and indicates that the federal government now expends more subsidies than ever before.
Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri, El-Rufai’s remarks came after his keynote address at a workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of government officials in policy implementation and human resource management.
El-Rufai emphasized, “The federal government is presently subsidizing fuel, a fact that may elude many.” He went on to endorse the policy shift, expressing his longstanding support for withdrawing the oil subsidy.
However, he acknowledged the complexities involved in policy implementation, noting that despite initial intentions, the government found itself compelled to reinstate the subsidy due to unforeseen challenges. “Currently, the government is allocating a substantial amount for subsidy, surpassing previous levels,” he remarked.
Underlining the essence of pragmatism in leadership, El-Rufai stressed the importance of adapting policies when faced with obstacles. “Leadership requires pragmatism,” he affirmed. “When a policy fails to yield the desired outcomes, humility dictates that adjustments be made.”
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In a departure from the discussion on fuel subsidy, El-Rufai redirected attention to critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, cautioning against premature assessments.
“It is premature to pass judgment on the current administration,” he asserted, highlighting the brevity of its tenure. “Leadership is an ongoing journey, and evaluating a mere nine months of governance is insufficient.”
El-Rufai urged Nigerians to extend their support to leaders and pray for divine guidance in navigating the complexities of governance. His remarks underscored the nuanced nature of policy implementation and the evolving landscape of leadership in Nigeria.
