Emphasizing their stance, the Nigerian Government maintains that the fuel subsidy has indeed been eliminated.
The Federal Government has criticized former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and the Independent Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria for their assertions that the subsidy is still in place.
In a recent interview shared by his media aide Nneamaka Okafor, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, reiterated this position.
Challenging those who claim that the Government is still subsidizing fuel, the minister called for concrete evidence and facts to support such claims.
He reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration stands firm on its decision to end fuel subsidies.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that every government has a duty to soften the impact of economic challenges on Nigerians across various sectors, not just limited to the petroleum industry.
Highlighting the sensitivity of the fuel subsidy issue, Minister Heineken Lokpobiri maintained that the Government has made its stance clear on the matter.
“I prefer not to delve too deeply into this issue. It’s a highly sensitive matter. Let’s ensure we have all the facts.
“As far as I’m concerned, the President removed the subsidy and it remains removed to this day.
“Anyone claiming that the subsidy is still being paid must present evidence, and then we can address it.
“While the price may not solely be determined by market forces, let’s address the current situation.
“Every government has a responsibility to take certain actions, not just in the petroleum sector, but across several other sectors, to alleviate the impact on Nigerians,” he stated.
It can be recalled that El-Rufai previously mentioned that Tinubu’s administration is currently providing more fuel subsidies than before.
In response, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria supported the former governor’s assertions.
The Public Relations Officer, IPMAN, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, advocated for a pump price of around N900 per litre without any subsidies.
“I have previously stated that the PMS subsidy has been reinstated, despite the government’s denial,” he remarked.
President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria in May last year, resulting in a surge in fuel pump prices from N200 to over N600 per litre.