The Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, says President Muhammadu Buhari is not in support of the removal of subsidy on the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.
Rather, he explained that the Federal Government planned to complete
consultations before coming out with a clear policy direction on the
matter.
The Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed,
had in November last year hinted that Nigeria would effect the complete
removal of fuel subsidy in June 2022 and replace them with a N5000-a-
month transportation grant to the poorest Nigerians.
Amid mixed reactions over the issue, the Senate President, Ahmad
Lawan, last Tuesday said President Buhari never directed the removal of
fuel subsidy.
Sylva, on his part, explained that the President’s position in opposing
fuel subsidy was predicated on its effect on citizens at the bottom of the
pyramid.
He also identified some of the options the authorities were considering
regarding the issue.
