President Bola Tinubu has stated that his government will not reinstate fuel subsidies, directly contradicting claims made by opposition figures. Speaking at a rally in Jigawa State, he emphasized that focusing on agriculture is crucial for Nigeria’s future.
“To those who say subsidy is coming back, it’s a lie,” Tinubu declared. He expressed concern over the economic strain that continued fuel subsidies would place on future generations, arguing against sustaining a failing economic model.
Instead, the president announced plans to subsidize farming, promising support for small-scale farmers through interest-free loans and mechanization initiatives. He reiterated his belief that Nigeria has the potential to achieve food security and reduce food prices significantly.
Tinubu also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a critical tool in combating poverty by easing educational expenses for families. He noted that funds recovered from corruption would be allocated to this initiative.
In addition to agricultural support, the president addressed pressing security concerns in the nation. He urged citizens to report suspicious activities in their communities and reassured them of his administration’s commitment to bolstering the police and military with increased resources and better compensation.
Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, supported Tinubu’s remarks, asserting that the large turnout at the rally debunked opposition claims that the president was not welcomed in northern Nigeria.
Yari contended that the support for Tinubu in the North-west demonstrated a strong local loyalty and challenged opposition leaders to show comparable achievements in their political engagements.
