The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Dr Philip Agbese, has called on organized labour to embrace dialogue to resolve deadlock over the removal of subsidies on petrol in Nigeria.
Dr.Agbese, a member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, spoke to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
He assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy is in their best interest.
He admitted that fuel subsidy had been a part of the nation since the 1970s, with the government routinely selling petrol to citizens at below cost to minimize the impact of rising global oil prices.
He noted that the outlay of subsidizing petrol has ballooned over time, adding that the regime has made a few richer.
Agbese said available figures showed that the Buhari administration (2015 -2023) paid a subsidy of over N11.4 trillion, more than what the government spent on education, health, and infrastructure during the period under review.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s decision to end the regime had come with hardship, he reckons that Nigerians will celebrate in the long run.
According to him, fuel subsidy constitutes 50 per cent of the nation’s problems, and its termination will usher the country to its glorious era in history.
He, however, urged labour not to succumb to agents of destabilization, assuring that the resources saved from the policy would be channelled to developmental programs.
“President Tinubu must be commended for taking the bold step to save the future of our nation. Fuel subsidy was no longer attainable,” he said.
“It is on record that about N40.1 billion is spent daily to subsidize every liter of petrol consumed in Nigeria by at least N600. It means the government spends about N1.24 trillion on fuel subsidies monthly.
“The country is in massive debt and would need more money to subsidize fuel. According to the World Bank, the government is projected to achieve fiscal savings of approximately two trillion naira ($2.6 billion) in 2023, equivalent to 0.9% of GDP. These savings are expected to reach over 11 trillion naira ($14.3bn) by the end of 2025.
“This will be invested in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Indeed, the advantages of the removal of subsidy would not just come up immediately. It is not possible because the economy is not strong. We don’t have money to start implementing measures that will ameliorate the removal of the subsidy.
“However, we must look beyond the present. The future of our great nation is at stake. I want to commend President Tinubu for this brave decision. In a matter of time, Nigerians will smile.
“Let me also use this opportunity to appeal to the Organised Labour not to succumb to agents of destabilization who want to pull us back. The issue of palliatives and better welfare for all citizens is paramount before the Asiwaju government.
“Our nation can not withstand another mass action. We are trying to build not destroy. The Labour should, therefore, give dialogue a chance and at least be patient with this administration. It is still early days,” he said.
