Abuja:Dr Esther Okereke, the Presidential Candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), has announced that her administration would not reintroduce the fuel subsidy if elected.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Okereke made these remarks during a personality interview series in Abuja, emphasizing that the savings from the subsidy removal should benefit all Nigerians rather than a select few. She highlighted the importance of transparency and proper allocation of the savings to ensure economic gains are felt across the nation, including at the grassroots level.
Okereke expressed concerns over the current use of subsidy savings and stressed the need to ensure that the proceeds serve all Nigerians. She mentioned that the primary issue is not the subsidy removal itself but ensuring the benefits reach everyone, not just a privileged minority.
Addressing potential challenges if elected, Okereke stated that unexpected realities would not deter her, drawing an analogy of making lemonade when life hands you lemons. She affirmed her commitment to overcoming challenges and making impactful changes.
Highlighting the nation’s rising debt profile, Okereke argued that Nigeria has the resources to be a leading nation in Africa. She called for the effective use of funds from subsidy removal to foster development and emphasized the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s resources rather than relying on borrowing.
Okereke also pledged her commitment to fiscal responsibility, aiming to block revenue leakages and redirect public funds towards sustainable development projects that enhance infrastructure, social welfare, and economic opportunities for all Nigerians.