Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa, says more mitigating measures are needed to be put in place to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
Mr Musa made the call in a statement on Sunday to clarify his support for subsidy removal and commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns.
According to him, mitigating measures should be implemented, including strategic investments in social welfare programmes. Others are improvement in security and support for economic growth at all levels.
“When I said, ‘removing subsidy is the best thing that happened to
Nigeria’, my assertion was not intended to overlook or diminish the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
“Rather, it was a statement grounded in the reality that, for years, subsidy payments have lined the pockets of a few powerful individuals at the expense of the nation,” he explained.
The senator noted that hundreds of billions of naira that should have been channelled into vital infrastructure, education and healthcare benefited a privileged few.
He added that this had deprived over 230 million Nigerians of necessary resources and opportunities.
According to him, removing the subsidy is a step towards eliminating systemic corruption and redirecting resources where needed.
“However, I agree that it must be accompanied by strong measures to
mitigate the impact on everyday Nigerians. I am deeply aware of the pressing issues of insecurity affecting even my senatorial district for many years and other parts of the country.
“I have not and will not remain silent on these matters. I am committed to amplifying our voices and pushing for comprehensive strategies that address safety, economic empowerment and equitable development,” stated the politician.
(NAN)
