Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has credited President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy for enabling his administration to fund various infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the Government House on Thursday, Mbah welcomed a federal delegation led by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, which was in the state for a two-day “Citizens’ Engagement Series.”
Mbah praised Tinubu’s “bold decision”, stating that it “freed up resources needed to execute humongous capital projects.”
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He cited several ongoing projects in the state, including the construction of 7,000 classrooms, 3,300 hospital beds, and 2,000 hectares of farm estates across the state’s 260 wards.
The governor also pledged his administration’s continued support for the federal government’s policies, asserting that they are in the best interest of the people of the state.
The Port City News earlier reported that Tinubu defended his decision to end the fuel subsidy and consolidate the foreign exchange market, actions he announced on his inauguration day, May 29, 2023.
A year later, he stated that these measures were necessary to foster economic growth and national development.
Addressing the nation in a broadcast, Tinubu explained that Nigeria’s economy had been stagnant for many years due to “misalignments” that hindered its progress.
He described his decision to remove the fuel subsidy and unify the multiple exchange rates as a “painful” but essential move.
According to the president, this move directly targeted smugglers and rent-seekers who profited from the previous system.
He also noted that the subsidy had benefited neighbouring countries at the expense of Nigeria’s own citizens.
Tinubu added that since the fuel subsidy removal, his administration has been dedicated to rebuilding the country’s economic foundation to ensure a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
