In a speech at the 19th Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja on Thursday January 20, Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, expressed concerns that the proposed increase in petrol price will lead to more Nigerians living in poverty.
He also highlighted the fact that 80 million Nigerians are still struggling below the poverty line.
Abdulsalami emphasized, “The expected fuel price increment will push more Nigerians into poverty. Over 80 million Nigerians are still cut off by poverty. Nigeria faces a food crisis worsened by the global COVID-19 pandemic.”
Addressing the upcoming 2023 presidential election, he remarked, “Note that for the first time, southern governors are taking on their northern counterparts, each demanding the presidency for their regions. This election year calls for statesmanship and partnership to pull Nigeria out of the woods. Let us all remember that despite all the challenges and threats, Nigeria remains one. Our unity and large population are assets and strength.”