Subsidy Removal and Efficient Handling
Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts but expressed his belief that the issue of subsidy removal could have been handled more effectively. Galadima emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind the accumulation of subsidies and suggested that measures should have been taken to minimize the negative impact on the social life of the country, particularly for ordinary citizens.
Urgent Action on Palliatives
Galadima stressed the need for President Tinubu to urgently address the issue of palliatives to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal. He highlighted his own efforts in exploring the establishment of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plant in Nigeria, which could significantly reduce the cost of fuel and transportation expenses for the average person. Galadima urged the government to swiftly import the necessary equipment and facilities, including CNG-powered buses, to alleviate the burden on citizens.
Assessing President Tinubu’s First Month
Galadima cautioned against prematurely evaluating an administration that inherited numerous challenges within just 30 days. However, he acknowledged that President Tinubu had made commendable appointments and taken steps to merge the parallel market with the official rate of the dollar, despite causing some initial disruptions. Galadima praised the president’s focus on appointing knowledgeable individuals and emphasized the need for patience and support during this critical period of governance.
Galadima’s remarks highlight the importance of addressing subsidy removal effectively, providing necessary palliatives, and allowing President Tinubu’s administration time to navigate the complexities of governance in Nigeria.