Olasunmibo Aboluwade, Abuja
The Senate, through its Committee on Finance, late Sunday evening, asked the executive arm of government to put in place, strong measures to mitigate against negative impacts of the fuel subsidy removal on the average Nigerians.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, declared in a statement in Abuja late Sunday evening that while the red chamber supported the removal of fuel subsidy, there was the urgent need to reduce the negative impacts on innocent Nigerians.
The expected mitigating measures that should be put in place according to the Senator, includes strategic
investments in social welfare programmes, improvements in security, and support for economic growth at all levels.
The Senator made the call in a personally signed statement to clarify his support for subsidy removal and commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns .
The statement reads, “When I said, “Removing subsidy is the best thing that happened to Nigeria,” my assertion was not intended to overlook or diminish the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
“Rather, it was a statement grounded in the reality that, for years, subsidy payments have lined the pockets of a few powerful individuals at the expense of the nation.
“Hundreds of billions of naira that should have been channeled into vital
infrastructure, education, and healthcare ended up benefiting a few
privileged, depriving over 230 million Nigerians of necessary resources and opportunities.
“The removal of the subsidy is a step towards eliminating systemic
corruption and redirecting resources to where they are truly needed.
“However, I agree that it must be accompanied by strong measures to
mitigate the impact on everyday Nigerians.
“This includes strategic investments in social welfare programs, improvements in security, and support for economic growth at all levels, and that has been my focus.
“I am deeply aware of the pressing issues of insecurity affecting even my
Senatorial District for many years and other parts of the country.
“I have not and will not remain silent on these matters, and I am committed to
amplifying our voices and pushing for comprehensive strategies that address safety, economic empowerment, and equitable development”.
