The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North has assured Nigerians that the removal of the fuel subsidy is beginning to show positive results.
Yakasai, speaking at the flag-off of rice palliative distribution in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, explained that while the subsidy removal and the devaluation of the Naira had caused some initial hardship, the long-term benefits are becoming apparent.
He highlighted that these measures, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are part of a broader strategy to save funds that will be reinvested into crucial development sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare. Yakasai noted that, for years, the country had been spending on subsidies that largely benefitted a select few, and it was time for a change.
“One of the most remarkable achievements of this administration is the revival of the country’s refineries. For years, Nigeria’s refineries were inoperable, but now, under President Tinubu’s leadership, we have seen significant progress. The Port Harcourt refinery is now functioning, producing at 60% capacity, and the Warri refinery has also resumed operations,” Yakasai said. He pointed out that fuel prices were steadily dropping, a sign of positive economic recovery.
Addressing the purpose of the rice distribution, Yakasai emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society. The rice palliative, aimed at alleviating the hardship caused by the subsidy removal, will be distributed across all 44 local governments in Kano State, with 200 bags of rice allocated per local government, totaling 4,400 bags.
“The palliative may not reach everyone, but it’s a small effort to ease the burden on our people, particularly women and party members,” he stated. Yakasai concluded by reaffirming the government’s determination to improve the well-being of the nation’s most disadvantaged citizens.
This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to mitigate the challenges faced by Nigerians in the wake of significant economic reforms.
