President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his stance on the removal of fuel subsidy, declaring he has no regrets about the decision.
Tinubu made this assertion on Monday evening during his first presidential media chat since assuming office.
The President emphasised that continuing to subsidize fuel was economically unsustainable, especially given its widespread impact beyond Nigeria.
“I don’t have any regrets removing fuel subsidy,” the President stated.“We can’t be subsidizing the entire West Africa sub region. Either we slice it in half or bits, we still have to completely remove it.”
Tinubu also mentioned the improvements in security, claiming progress in making previously unsafe routes viable for travel.
“Two decades of wanton killings have been addressed. Today, you can travel the roads.
Before now, it was impossible,” he said, adding that the military remains vigilant against both internal and external threats to ensure the safety of citizens.
On fiscal management, the President highlighted the administration’s efforts in exiting the previous “ways and means” model, asserting that the government now operates under financial control and fiscal discipline. “We have more revenue being generated and distributed,” Tinubu noted.
The President also emphasised the autonomy granted to local governments as a key milestone.
He linked this development to his long-standing advocacy for grassroots empowerment, referencing his tenure as Lagos State Governor and his clashes with the Obasanjo administration over the creation of additional local councils.
Tinubu acknowledged ongoing challenges but expressed optimism about the country’s progress.
“Regardless of critics, Nigeria is on the path of recovery. We can’t finish the job in one calendar year, and I am not giving myself an excuse—it’s only been 18 months,” he stated.
