President Bola Tinubu has again defended the removal of the fuel subsidy by his administration, describing it as “necessary” and asserting that it was essential for the country’s long-term development.
However, in a visit to Enugu State on Saturday, Tinubu defended the policy, stating it was a necessary decision for the future of Nigeria.
While explaining at a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Enugu, Tinubu said, “You are all a member of one big, huge family called Nigeria, but living in different rooms in the same house. This house, we must build it. Build it to satisfy our immediate needs, which will not be enough yet, but also to ensure a better tomorrow.
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“That is why the removal of the first subsidy was necessary,” he continued. “You cannot spend the future of generations yet unborn in advance. Don’t bankrupt the nation before they are born. I know people will fight, grumble, abuse me, and everything, but I asked for the job. I know what it takes. I believe in myself, and I believe I can gather a very good team and build a nation.”
The president also urged Nigerians to unite in building a proud nation and refrain from spreading negative comments about the country. “It is our country. We have to work really hard for it, to build a nation that we can be proud of. Change the narrative; negative comments about Nigeria? I’m not taking that! I’m very proud of Nigeria. You all should be proud of Nigeria,” he declared.
During his visit, Tinubu commissioned key state projects, including the Enugu International Conference Centre and a high-tech command and control center equipped with AI surveillance cameras and 150 patrol vehicles at the Government House.
Recall during his inauguration in May 2023, Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy, which resulted in a significant hike in fuel prices. The move sparked protests and widespread criticism, with many claiming it had caused severe hardships for Nigerians.
