President Bola Tinubu has once again defended his administration's removal of fuel subsidy, calling it “necessary” and stating that it was essential for the long-term development of the country.
However, on a visit to Enugu State on Saturday, Tinubu defended the policy, saying it was a necessary decision for the future of Nigeria.
While explaining at a stakeholders meeting at Government House in Enugu, Tinubu said: “You are all members of one big family called Nigeria, but you live in different rooms in the same house. This house, we must build it. Build it to meet our immediate needs, which will not yet be enough, but also to ensure a better tomorrow.
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“That is why the elimination of the first subsidy was necessary,” he continued. “You cannot spend the future of generations yet unborn in advance. Don't ruin the nation before they are born. I know people will fight, complain, abuse me and all that, but I asked for the job. I know what it takes. “I believe in myself and I believe I can form a very good team and build a nation.”
The President also urged Nigerians to unite to build a proud nation and refrain from spreading negative comments about the country. “It's our country. We have to work very hard to achieve this, to build a nation that we can be proud of. Change the narrative; Negative comments about Nigeria? I'm not going to accept that! I am 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 Center and a high-tech command and control center equipped with artificial intelligence surveillance cameras and 150 patrol vehicles at Government House.
Recall that during his inauguration in May 2023, Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidy, resulting in a significant increase in fuel prices. The move sparked widespread protests and criticism, with many claiming it had caused serious hardship to Nigerians.
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