Buhari Never Directed Fuel Subsidy Removal – Lawan

President Muhammadu Buhari has not directed anyone in his administration to implement the removal of petroleum subsidy. This is according to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.

Against the backdrop of the statement made in October 2021, by the Minister for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, that the federal government would only make provision for petroleum subsidy for the first 6 months of 2022 as the administration moves towards the complete deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry.

Lawan made this known while briefing State House Correspondents after meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, to convey the concerns of his constituents on various issues including the proposed removal of subsidy.

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According to him, lawmakers are worried about the agitations and protests across the country on the matter, which prompted the discussion with the President.

He said he was glad to inform Nigerians that President Buhari has not instructed anyone to remove fuel subsidy.

“He didn’t tell anybody that we should go remove petroleum subsidy. And those of us who represent the people know how people are already stressed over and again . . . it is going to be too much for them.’’ Lawan said.

He blamed the smuggling of petroleum products on the failure of the government to contain the menace, a situation that has pushed the burden of payment on the ordinary citizen.

He said, “I know and I agree that the subsidy is very heavy. But I think we must never transfer the burden to the citizens. I believe that we need to look at the quoted figure of maybe 100 million litres that people claim we’re consuming.

“Is it real? I mean is it either under-recoveries of subsidy? Is it really 100 million litres per day? How on earth are we consuming that? We need to look at this critically and see how we can find the truth.

“I am not convinced that within the boundaries of Nigeria we are consuming 100 million litres, probably neighbouring countries may be benefiting from this. Can’t we do something about it? It is a failure on us if we are not able to control it.”