President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his position on the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing calls by one of his political opponents to reverse the policy as a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and the economy.

President Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Although he did not identify the opponent, the President said he had seen comments advocating a return to fuel subsidies.

The President defended the policy by recalling the financial difficulties faced by many state governments before he assumed office in 2023. According to him, 27 states were unable to meet their salary obligations and depended on support from the Federal Government.

He stressed that state governments have a major responsibility to provide infrastructure and social services because most Nigerians live and work within the states and local governments.

He cited road construction, housing, school rehabilitation, healthcare, and the training of teachers and health workers as areas where government resources should be directed to support citizens and vulnerable families.

— CHANNELS