President Bola Tinubu’s government has reassured Nigerians that the hardships experienced by Nigerians over the recent removal of fuel subsidy will be temporary.

Information minister Mohammed Idris gave the assurance in an interview in Abuja. He explained that it was obvious that the common man would reap the ultimate benefits of removing the subsidy.

Mr Idris said it was regrettable that only a few people were, hitherto, benefitting from the subsidy regime, adding that the few were enjoying the commonwealth of the entire country at the expense of the majority.

“So, President Bola Tinubu said he would not be part of that. He stands with the majority of Nigerians. Although the removal will be painful at the beginning, it will be better for all of us at the end,” he said. “Fuel subsidy removal is like the pregnant woman due for delivery and in labour; when she is in labour pains, she will feel and prefer she never had the opportunity to bear a child.”

Mr Idris added, “However after the child is delivered, the woman will hold her baby, smile and become the happiest woman in the world. I think, that analogy can be applied to this issue of fuel subsidy removal. So, the pains will be temporary, but in the end, we will be better for it; that is what President Bola Tinubu believes in, and that is what he is preaching.”

The minister recalled that, within the first few months of Mr Tinubu’s administration, he allocated funds to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for palliatives to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.

“This is because Tinubu believes that the state governors are people who know their terrains very well. He also made available assorted grains and fertilizers to help cushion the immediate concerns of Nigerians about the removal of fuel subsidy.

“I can assure you that in the long run, Nigeria will be better for it,” Mr Idris said. 

(NAN)