‘Critics’ Heat Was High Voltage’ — Tinubu Defends Fuel Subsidy Removal

President Bola Tinubu has described the backlash that followed his administration’s removal of fuel subsidy as “high voltage,” saying the intensity of criticism was enormous at the outset of the policy.

The President, however, maintained that despite widespread opposition and public discontent, Nigeria is better off without the subsidy regime.

He made the remarks on Friday during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the House of Representatives.

Tinubu Reflects on Initial Resistance

Speaking at the gathering, Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians struggled to understand the rationale behind his economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floatation of the naira.

“It was initially very difficult at the beginning for people to realize the direction of my thinking,” the President said.

He added that the criticism was intense and came from various quarters, describing it as “high voltage” pressure from opponents of the reforms.

Fuel subsidy removal, announced at the beginning of his administration, triggered nationwide debates, protests, and concerns over rising fuel prices and the cost of living. The policy was widely seen as one of the most consequential economic decisions in recent years.

‘We Are Out of the Dark Tunnel’

Despite the backlash, Tinubu expressed satisfaction that members of the House of Representatives stood by the administration’s policy direction.

“I’m glad that with the heat of the critics, none of you came to me to say can you reverse the removal of subsidy or can you change the foreign exchange floatation of the naira?” he stated.

“I am glad we are out of the dark tunnel.”

According to him, the collaboration between the executive and the legislature provided the encouragement needed to push through the reforms.

“You collaborated and joined together as a team and gave me the inspiration to move on because the heat was high voltage from the critics but today we are better off for it,” he added.

Call for Political Continuity

In a remark that drew attention, the President suggested that lawmakers who supported the reforms deserved another term in office, subject to their party’s decision.

“And if there is anything that you deserve, you deserve a second term subject to our party and your party,” he said.

Ongoing Debate Over Economic Reforms

The removal of fuel subsidy and the floatation of the naira remain defining policies of the Tinubu administration. Supporters argue that the measures were necessary to stabilise public finances, curb leakages, and attract investment. Critics, however, contend that the immediate impact on inflation, transport costs, and household income has been severe.

Economic analysts note that while subsidy removal may ease long-term fiscal pressure, its success ultimately depends on effective social safety nets, transparent reinvestment of savings, and sustained macroeconomic stability.

As public debate continues, the President’s latest remarks signal his firm stance that the reforms, though painful, were necessary and beneficial for the country’s future.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org