Our Pains On Subsidy Removal Are Temporary – FG
The Federal Government has promised Nigerians that the suffering caused by the recent removal of fuel subsidies will only last a short time.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He argued that it was evident that the average person would ultimately gain from the subsidy’s withdrawal.
Idris lamented the fact that, up until now, only a small number of people had benefited from the subsidy system, adding that this meant a small number of people were taking advantage of the nation’s commonwealth at the expense of the vast majority.
“So, President Bola Tinubu said, he would not be part of that. He stands with the majority of Nigerians.
“Although, the removal will be painful at the beginning, it will be better for all of us at the end,” he said.
The minister 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.
Read Also: Fuel Subsidy Removal: The Mistake Tinubu Made – Kalu Idika Kalu
“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”.
The Minister recalled that, within the first few months of Tinubu’s administration, he allocated funds to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for palliatives to cushion the effect of subsidy removal
“This is because Tinubu believes that the state governors are people who know their terrains very well.
“He also made available assorted grains and fertilizers to help cushion the immediate concerns of Nigerians about the removal of fuel subsidy.
“I can assure you that in the long run, Nigeria will be better for it,” Idris said.
