The Acting Governor of Ondo State , Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has lamented the hardship residents, particularly workers in the state, are facing since the removal of the fuel subsidy. Hon. Aiyedatiwa, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the government is concerned at how the hardship unleashed by the removal of the fuel subsidy is deepening pains on the people.
“It is important to reiterate to our people that the State Government is as well not oblivious of the hardship and inconveniences attendant to the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government,” he said .
President Bola Tinubu had, on May 29, shortly after taking the oath of office, announced that there would no longer be a petroleum subsidy regime, saying that “subsidy is gone.” Tinubu revealed that the 2023 budget had no provision for subsidy, stressing that funds meant for the subsidies would now be diverted to public infrastructure, education, health care and job opportunities.
The fuel subsidy removal has given way to bewilderment, anger, and frustration by many Nigerians who are facing the full weight of the announcement made by Mr Tinubu.
Economists have also observed that the lack of clarity on the government’s palliative plans and consultation before the action fuelled anger and hopelessness among many Nigerians.
However, speaking further in his statement, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the government was already aware of the hardship and inconveniences faced by the people. He stated that the government would cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by collaborating with the federal government through the National Economic Council (NEC), headed by Vice President Kashim Shettima. According to Hon. Aiyedatiwa, the state government had also been talking to the leaders of the organised labour in the state to ensure that state workers enjoyed the benefit.
“Apart from the measures being contemplated by the State Government, our administration is also in collaboration with the Federal Government through the National Economic Council, headed by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, GCON, with a view to birthing enduring palliative measures to remedy the excruciating effects of the policy, within available resources.
“The State Government, organised labour leaders and critical segments of the State are collaborating well in this direction for the good of the public workers and the entire citizenry of Ondo State,” the acting governor added.