Abdulsalami, Others Warn on Consequences of Fuel Subsidy Removal, as NEC Sets June Date for Decision
The former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and labour leaders have cautioned against the consequences of fuel subsidy removal in the country.
This was as the National Economic Council hinted that the decision for fuel subsidy removal would be taken in June.
The subsidy itself would be removed before the end of the year, according to NEC.
NEC said it will take decision in June when it is expected that the subsidy payment would have elapsed.
But the former Head of State, Abdulsalmi and labour leaders said the decision would worsen poverty level in Nigeria.
Abdulsalami while speaking at the 19th Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja said any increase in fuel price will push more Nigerians into abject poverty.
Speaking on the theme ‘2023: The Politics, Economy and Security,” he said that so far unemployment was high in the country, adding that removing the fuel subsidy will lead to more poverty.
He said, “In fact, Nigeria now faces a food security crisis that is compounded by the COVID-19 global pandemic and banditry in many states of northern Nigeria.
“Both of these have disrupted the fragile value chains across the country and negatively impacted the ability of Nigerians to produce, process and distribute food. The result is a continuing rise in the prices of food items beyond the reach of many Nigerian families.
“On top of all these, fuel prices are expected to rise significantly in the coming months as announced last November by the NNPC. When this happens, as the government has planned, it will push many millions deeper into poverty”.
Also reacting to the planned subsidy removal, the President of SSANU, Haruna Ibrahim, who spoke at the 41st SSANU Regular National Executive Council meeting held at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, cautioned the federal government against the decision.
Punch reports Ibrahim saying that the Union leaders would not fold their hands while ordinary Nigerians suffer.
He said that the Union would soon come up with a position on the planned increase in fuel price.
Other labour leaders and many Nigerians have also warned the federal government on the planned fuel subsidy removal.
About Post Author
