Fuel subsidy removal divides delegates

About 50 delegates spoke while considering and adopting the report yesterday with most of them saying federal government should either keep subsiding petroleum products for the public or why subsidy was meant to serve the economic interest of just a handful at the expense of the majority.The committee, headed by Senator Adamu Aliero, had stated […]

About 50 delegates spoke while considering and adopting the report yesterday with most of them saying federal government should either keep subsiding petroleum products for the public or why subsidy was meant to serve the economic interest of just a handful at the expense of the majority.
The committee, headed by Senator Adamu Aliero, had stated in its report that subsidy on petroleum products was an avoidable major financial burden the nation has been made to bear.
It was also revealed that subsidy payment of N2.527 trillion in 2012 and 2013 averaged N1.263 trillion per annum and described it as “a burden too heavy for the nation and its populace.”
Labour and civil society delegates have already distributed a written motion yesterday rejecting the removal of fuel subsidy. They argued that the problem is corruption not subsidy, insisting that instead of removing subsidy, the culprits involved in stealing public fund through it should be prosecuted.
In his contribution, Professor Anya O. Anya said it was unfortunate that the argument has been reduced to “I support subsidy or I oppose subsidy,” describing such argument as “over-simplification of a more complex issue.”
He said delegates needed to come up with a road-map in the area of having the crude oil refined in Nigeria.
Anya said delegates should come up with “a comprehensive national plan for the withdrawal of subsidy,” such that people will not suffer at the end.