President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, describing it as a “necessary” action to secure the future of Nigeria.
Speaking during his visit to Enugu State on Saturday, where he inaugurated several projects completed by Governor Peter Mbah, Tinubu emphasized that the decision to end the subsidy regime, announced during his swearing-in ceremony in May 2023, was crucial despite the resulting rise in fuel prices.
Tinubu stated that while the removal of fuel subsidies posed initial challenges, it was an essential step towards achieving long-term benefits for the country. He reassured Nigerians that the decision would contribute to building a stronger and more sustainable future for the nation.
Tinubu defended the controversial removal of fuel subsidies, justifying the move as necessary to secure the country’s future. “We cannot spend the future of generations yet unborn in advance. Don’t bankrupt the nation before they’re born,” he remarked.
While in Enugu, the president also commended Governor Peter Mbah for his visionary leadership and pledged to collaborate with him to foster development in both Enugu State and the country as a whole. Tinubu similarly praised Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for his leadership.
During the visit, the president inaugurated several key projects, including 30 out of the 260 Smart Green Schools, 60 Type 2 Primary Health Centres, and the 19-kilometre Airport-New Haven-Bisalla and Okpara Square roads, all built under Governor Mbah’s administration. He also inaugurated the International Conference Centre and a state-of-the-art command and control centre, which includes 150 patrol vehicles equipped with AI-embedded surveillance cameras.
Among the dignitaries present in Enugu were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, among others.
