President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, describing it as a “necessary” step to safeguard Nigeria’s future.
The subsidy removal, announced during Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023, led to a sharp increase in fuel prices, sparking widespread protests and criticism. Detractors argue the move has deepened hardship for many Nigerians.
However, speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Enugu State on Saturday, Tinubu reaffirmed the necessity of the decision for long-term national stability.
‘I Asked for the Job’
“You are all members of one big, huge family called Nigeria, living in different rooms of the same house. This house must be built—not just for today but for tomorrow,” Tinubu stated.
“That is why the removal of the fuel subsidy was necessary. You cannot spend the future of unborn generations in advance. Don’t bankrupt the nation before they are born.
“I know people will fight, grumble, and criticise me, but I asked for the job. I understand what it entails, and I believe in my ability to assemble a capable team to build this nation.”
‘I’m Very Proud of Nigeria’
Tinubu, who was in Enugu on a working visit to commission state government projects, urged Nigerians to focus on positive narratives about their country.
“This is our country, and we must work hard to build a nation we can be proud of. Negative comments about Nigeria? I’m not having that! I am very proud of Nigeria, and you should all be too,” Tinubu said, addressing a gathering that included Governor Peter Mbah, government officials, and dignitaries.
Project Commissions
During his visit to Enugu, Tinubu inaugurated several key projects, including:
- The Enugu International Conference Centre, featuring multi-auditorium and multifunctional facilities.
- A state-of-the-art command and control centre equipped with 150 AI-enabled patrol vehicles for enhanced security operations.
The president’s remarks and project commissions highlight his administration’s focus on infrastructure development and policy reforms to address Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.