The Nigerian government has reiterated that the recent removal of fuel subsidies will result in temporary hardships for the public.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, provided this assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
He explained that the ultimate benefits of the removal of the subsidy would outweigh the initial hardships, particularly for the common man. The minister acknowledged that it was regrettable that only a few people had been benefiting from the subsidy regime, with the few enjoying the country’s common wealth at the expense of the majority.
In alignment with the government’s position, President Bola Tinubu had expressed that he would not support a system that favored a privileged few while burdening the majority of Nigerians. While the removal of fuel subsidies may bring about initial discomfort, it is expected to lead to better outcomes for the nation in the long run.
The minister used an analogy to explain the situation, comparing the removal of fuel subsidies to a pregnant woman who is in labor. In the midst of labor pains, she may wish she had never been pregnant, but the ultimate goal is a safe delivery and a new beginning.
The Nigerian government’s stance on the removal of fuel subsidies is part of its broader economic policies and efforts to ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for the nation.
