In a recent address to Muslims marking the New Islamic Year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his determination to fulfill the promises he made to Nigerians, despite the current challenges facing the nation. Emphasizing the significance of patience, perseverance, and faithfulness as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad, Tinubu called upon the public to engage in prayers and supplications to seek divine guidance and protection for the country’s path to greatness and prosperity.
Acknowledging the present difficulties, Tinubu assured the citizens that he and his team were leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to deliver on their commitments. He encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful, assuring them that there is light and prosperity awaiting at the end of the tunnel.
The President’s message comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with the burden of increased petrol prices, which have further exacerbated the cost of living across the nation. During his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, Tinubu had announced the removal of petrol subsidies, deeming them no longer feasible.
Following the removal of subsidies, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) set new prices for petrol per litre. As of Tuesday, the price surged to N617 per litre in the federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja, and N568 per litre in Lagos. However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) vehemently rejected the new pump prices, expressing discontent with the government’s handling of the situation.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a recent interview, criticized the Tinubu administration, accusing it of deceiving Nigerians. Ajaero asserted that the masses were being needlessly punished and highlighted the alleged insincerity of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, responded to the outcry over the fuel price hike, explaining that market forces were at play. Kyari stated that the issue was not a supply shortage but rather the impact of demand and supply dynamics in the marketing value chain. He clarified that importers of fuel products were gaining confidence in the system, resulting in fluctuating prices.
Despite the public outcry, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, urged Nigerians to endure the temporary pains caused by the removal of petrol subsidies. Akume expressed optimism that the country would eventually reap the benefits, assuring citizens that the Tinubu administration had their best interests at heart.
During a meeting with a delegation from the North Central People’s Forum (NCPF), led by Senator Jeremiah Useni, Akume emphasized that the removal of oil subsidies would ultimately improve the living conditions of Nigerians. He lauded President Tinubu’s bold steps, stating that they had positively impacted the economy and garnered the attention of both local and international policymakers, signaling the government’s commitment to progress.
President Tinubu’s reassurance to Nigerians in the face of challenges, along with the ongoing debate surrounding petrol prices, sets the stage for continued discussions on economic policies and their impact on the populace. As the nation moves forward, citizens remain hopeful for the fulfillment of promises and the realization of a brighter future for Nigeria.
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