ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian governors expressed their resounding support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to terminate fuel subsidy payments, marking a potentially pivotal moment in the nation’s economic policy.
This development followed a meeting between President Tinubu and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, at the State House on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Abiodun Oladunjoye, the Director of Information to the President, reported the outcome of this critical gathering in a statement.
During the meeting, President Tinubu urged the governors to partner with the federal government to combat the grave issue of poverty in Nigeria, stressing that the current level of destitution was intolerable.
“We can see the effects of poverty on the faces of our people. Poverty is not hereditary; it is from society. Our position is to eliminate poverty,” said President Tinubu, encouraging the political leaders to set aside their differences and focus on relieving the hardships of the populace.
Tinubu also emphasized that Nigeria should be viewed as one united family.
He voiced confidence in the nation’s potential to lift its citizens out of poverty through concerted effort and determination.
He underscored the importance of unity, stability, and good governance in ensuring the endurance of Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy.
The President took the opportunity to address the recent decision to end fuel subsidies, describing it as a necessary action to prevent the nation from sinking.
He called for a synergistic approach to tackle corruption, stimulate the economy, and ensure resource allocation.
The President also stressed the significance of improving the education sector as a part of poverty reduction efforts.
President Tinubu also highlighted the urgent need to address the nation’s security issues, urging governors to adopt a collective response rather than viewing security as a concern only for the states currently affected.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these pressing issues.
He promised the governors’ support for the federal government’s initiatives aimed at advancing human development.
“The NGF will follow the tradition of working constitutionally and harmoniously with you,” he assured President Tinubu.
As President Tinubu’s government endeavors to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape, this consensus among state governors could signal a new era of cooperation aimed at reducing poverty and bolstering the nation’s economy.
