According to the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, the Federal Government is currently paying a higher amount for fuel subsidy compared to previous times.
During a capacity-building workshop in Maiduguri, El-Rufai revealed this information while speaking to reporters after presenting the main paper.
He mentioned, “The federal government is now providing subsidies for fuel, a fact that many people might not be aware of.”
Expressing his approval of the policy, El-Rufai further explained, “It is the right decision. I have always been in favor of removing oil subsidies; however, during the implementation of the policy, the government realized the necessity of reintroducing the subsidy; currently, the government is spending a significant amount on subsidy, even more than before.
“When you undertake a policy, you do so with full belief that it is the correct choice, but during implementation, obstacles surface, leading to necessary adjustments.
“In leadership, pragmatism plays a crucial role. Being pragmatic is essential. If a policy you initiate does not yield the expected outcome, it is important to acknowledge its shortcomings and make necessary modifications.”
Meanwhile, the former governor of Kaduna also criticized critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing them of rushing to judgment regarding leadership deficiencies.
“It is premature to evaluate the current administration at this point,” he stated.
“The Tinubu administration has only been in office for nine months,” he remarked, emphasizing, “Leadership is an evolving process.”
Continuing, the ex-governor of Kaduna stressed, “Leadership is an ongoing journey, and it is unfair to assess an individual who has been in office for just nine months over a four-year term.”
He urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders for divine guidance.
On the day of his inauguration, Tinubu confirmed the elimination of fuel subsidy in the country.
Explaining the rationale behind the removal, the president cited the unsustainable nature of fuel subsidies.
He highlighted that the billions of naira spent annually to support the subsidy could be used to enhance healthcare, transportation, education, housing, and national security, among other areas.
Addressing the nation in a broadcast, Tinubu mentioned that the funds previously directed towards the subsidy were benefiting a privileged few with substantial bank accounts and wealth.