By Becky Usman

A recent statement by spokesperson Festus Keyamo has clarified the narrative surrounding subsidy removal and President Tinubu’s stance. Keyamo emphasized that the removal of subsidy is not an action taken by Tinubu’s government, but rather an existing situation inherited from the previous administration.

According to Keyamo, the 2023 Appropriation Act did not include provisions for subsidy starting from June 2023. Additionally, the recently enacted Petroleum Industry Act does not include provisions for subsidy either. In his inaugural speech, President Tinubu acknowledged this reality.

Keyamo urged advocates of subsidy to consider why President Tinubu would promise to reintroduce something that has been legally removed. He also pointed out that diverting resources towards subsidy in 2022 alone consumed $10 billion of scarce or limited funds, emphasizing the need for a conversation about the viability and effectiveness of such practices.

Keyamo further challenged those who defend workers’ rights and welfare to explain how injecting $10 billion into the economy annually would sufficiently stimulate job creation and potentially lead to an increase in the minimum wage, which is a common concern