In a compelling revelation, Hadiza Bala Usman, the former
Managing Director of the Nigeria Port
Authority (NPA), expressed her firm
belief that the removal of fuel subsidy is ultimately in the best interest of
Nigerians. This statement comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s
announcement during his inaugural speech on Monday, May 29, regarding the elimination
of fuel subsidy. As Usman appeared on Arise News’ Morning Show on a fine
Saturday, she articulately conveyed her perspective, assuring the public that
the removal of the subsidy should not be viewed as a plight imposed upon the
Nigerian masses.
As the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy
Coordination, Usman emphasized that the eradication of the subsidy is a
reflection of the current reality in Nigeria. She debunked the prevalent notion
that the government was subsidizing fuel for the Nigerian people, asserting
that this belief is fundamentally misleading. Furthermore, she highlighted the
impracticality and inequity of the federal government subsidizing petrol for
other countries.
Clarifying her stance, Usman boldly stated, “I don’t
consider the removal of subsidy as ‘suffering’ the masses. It’s a reflection of
the current reality in Nigeria. It’s important for Nigerians to note that the
notion of the government subsidizing them is misleading; the government was
subsidizing other countries.”
Moving on to another topic, Usman also shared her insights on
the student loan scheme. She acknowledged that while the primary objective of
this initiative might not be exclusively focused on benefiting the
underprivileged, it does aim to provide some form of advantage to Nigerian
students in higher institutions. Emphasizing the significance of the program,
she noted that although it may not specifically target the poor, it undeniably
offers opportunities for a significant segment of Nigerians.
“People may say that the student loan scheme isn’t
primarily designed to benefit the poor, but it aims to provide some form of
benefit to Nigerians. Although it may not specifically target the poor, it does
offer opportunities for a significant segment of Nigerians,” she
elaborated.
Through her thought-provoking statements, Hadiza Bala Usman
effectively conveyed her perspective on the removal of fuel subsidy and the
student loan scheme. Her arguments centered around the need to address the
current realities in Nigeria and to provide opportunities for the Nigerian
people, even if the benefits may not be solely confined to the less fortunate.
With her expertise and understanding of these issues, Usman presented a
compelling case for the nation’s best interests.
