Federal Government of Nigeria has insisted that fuel subsidy has been removed following the pronouncement by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
The FG, therefore, faulted the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and the Independent Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria over their claims that the subsidy subsists.
FG’s insistence came from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri. The Minister who spoke to journalists said the era of fuel subsidy is far gone.
He, therefore, said that those alleging that the Government is providing subsidies for the product should provide evidence and facts.
Lokpobiri stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government’s position on fuel subsidies remains unchanged.
The Minister, however, stated that every Government has the responsibility to cushion the impact of economic hardship on Nigerians. He said this can be done in all sectors, and not just in the Petroleum industry.
Lokpobiri, also stated that fuel subsidy was a sensitive issue. He, however, noted that the Government had made its position known.
“I don’t want to delve into that issue. It is a very sensitive issue. We should get all the facts.
“As far as I’m concerned, the President removed the subsidy. And it remains removed till today.
“Anybody saying that subsidy is being paid, it is left for the person to bring the facts. And then we will talk about them.
“It may not be determined by market forces. But let us deal with the price as it is today.
“Every Government has a duty to do certain things. Not only in the petroleum sector, but in several other sectors, to cushion the effect and burden on Nigerians,” he said.
Recall that El-Rufai had said that the Tinubu’s Government is paying more fuel subsidies than before.
The former Kaduna State Governor assertions was however, supported by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria.
To support his position, the Public Relations Officer, IPMAN, Ukadike Chinedu, said the pump price of fuel should be around N900 per litre without subsidy.
According to him, “I have said before that the PMS subsidy has been returned. And the Government said it was a lie.”
source: Daily Post
