By Attah Ede
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared that the Federal Government would not reverse its decision on fuel subsidy, insisting that the policy was dead and gone in Nigeria.
He also stated that restoring the subsidy would jeopardise the future of Nigerian children, adding that claims that the policy would be reinstated were false.
The President made the declaration while addressing supporters and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s campaign rally in Dutse, Jigawa State.
“To those who say subsidy is coming back, it’s a lie. Don’t let them lie to you again. It’s not going to come back,” he said.
Tinubu said resources previously spent on fuel subsidy would instead be channelled into education, agriculture and infrastructure development.
He pledged interest-free loans for smallholder farmers and announced plans to establish mechanised farming service centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones to boost food production and reduce food prices.
“We have to invest in agriculture. There will be interest-free loans for farmers. Prosperity is coming. Food security will happen,” he said.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians that his administration was taking decisive steps to tackle insecurity, urging citizens to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
“We are working hard to ensure that Nigeria is safe. We will conquer insecurity. We will defeat the enemies of unity, stability and hope,” he said.
The President said the government had strengthened security agencies through improved welfare and better remuneration for personnel.
On education, Tinubu said funds recovered from corruption-related cases by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be channelled into the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support access to education and reduce poverty.
He described NELFUND as “our weapon against poverty” and promised continued investment in human capital development.
The President also highlighted his administration’s plans to improve power supply, support small and medium-scale enterprises, expand job opportunities and develop the skills of young Nigerians.
Earlier, Tinubu commended Governor Umar Namadi for his developmental strides in Jigawa State and called on residents to support his re-election for a second term in office.
“I have been here a number of years. I have never seen so much progress. This man has worked tirelessly for all of us,” he said.
The APC rally drew party supporters from across the state as the President formally presented the party’s manifesto and roadmap for economic prosperity.
