A senatorial aspirant for Ekiti North, Ayo Arise, has defended the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy, describing the move as a necessary reform aimed at curbing corruption and redirecting national resources to critical sectors.
Speaking at a political gathering in Ekiti North, Arise said the policy, introduced under President Bola Tinubu, was designed to dismantle a system that benefited a few individuals at the expense of the broader population.
According to him, the subsidy regime had long been exploited by some operators in the petroleum sector who allegedly claimed payments for fuel imports that never occurred, using documentation to siphon public funds.
He noted that ending the subsidy would free up government revenue for investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and grassroots development. He added that local government councils would now be better positioned to undertake projects such as road construction, salary payments, and improved public services.
Arise maintained that the reform would, in the long run, stimulate economic growth by channeling resources into more productive sectors.
He also pointed to ongoing government efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs, including the promotion of gas-powered and electric vehicles, as well as measures to stabilise prices.
While acknowledging the immediate hardship faced by Nigerians, Arise attributed the surge in fuel prices partly to global factors, including geopolitical tensions affecting the oil market.
“The President made it clear that the subsidy had to go because some individuals were exploiting the system through fraudulent import claims, enriching themselves at the expense of the nation,” he said.
He added that external pressures, such as international conflicts influencing petroleum prices, remained beyond Nigeria’s control, but assured that the government was implementing interventions to ease the burden on citizens.
