Nigeria to save $5.4 trillion from removal of subsidies in 2024 – Abiodun

 

● Urges constructive engagement with government

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has revealed that the fuel subsidy, if not curbed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would have cost the country a whopping 5.4 trillion naira by the end of 2024.

Governor Abiodun noted that it would be disastrous for Nigeria to pay such a huge sum for fuel subsidy against the federal government’s budget of 6.7 trillion naira for the same fiscal year.

The governor stated this during the special church service to commemorate the 64th National Day celebration held at St. Peter Cathedral Church, Ake, Abeokuta.

He said money is now available for infrastructure development across the country

“The Federal Government, under the amiable leadership of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has wasted no time in embarking on some very bold and audacious initiatives aimed at repositioning our economy and saving us from bankruptcy. We must persevere.

“Mr. The President removed the subsidy that, if not curbed, would have cost us $5.4 trillion by the end of 2024.

“We have been busy subsidizing our neighbors; these are funds that can be invested in improving our infrastructure and other social services.

“Our budget this year for infrastructure was $6.7 trillion. Meanwhile, the subsidy would have consumed 5.4 trillion naira, had it not been curbed or controlled,” Abiodun explained.

Prince Abiodun, while calling on Nigerians to engage constructively with government and not join hands with those fanning the flames of discord, said the protests would achieve nothing but looting and vandalism of public properties.

“We are resilient, we continue to pray, we persevere and we maintain our faith in Almighty God.

“Let us not join those who continue to fan the fires of discord in our land and those who call for protests, violence and civil disobedience, which only lead to acts of vandalism, looting and destruction of public property.

“Let us constructively engage and work with the government, knowing that this administration is inclusive,” he added.

The Governor further revealed that his administration will continue to implement measures to cushion the effects of current realities, adding that his administration has implemented CNG buses, initiated energy transition programs with the launch of electric bicycles, reduced working days for public employees from five to five. three days and, among other initiatives, provided free medical services to the poor and elderly.

He noted that his administration would soon complete farmers’ markets in the four zones of the state, adding that the state government’s Gateway Trading Company, where food products would be sold at wholesale prices, would soon begin operations.

“We will soon complete our farmers markets in the four zones of the State, where food products will be sold at affordable prices.

“Very soon you will see our Gateway Trading Company starting to sell different items in different areas of the four zones of the state at wholesale prices. We will continue these types of initiatives to cushion the effects of current realities,” he said.

Earlier, in his message titled “Carrying Our Nation Forward in a Time Like This: Lessons from Elisha’s Leadership”, the Diocesan Bishop of Ijebu Northern Anglican Diocese, The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Akinwande Godwin Odubena, who also read the book of 2 Kings, chapter 7, verse 1, observed that leadership plays a crucial role in the future of any country.

Rt. Reverend Odubena, who noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with hyperinflation, problems of oil theft, vandalism, rising unemployment giving rise to internet fraud, insecurity, infrastructure problems, kidnapping and banditry, added that citizens We must hope for a better Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

The diocesan Bishop, while stressing that it is important for the people and leaders of Nigeria to trust in God’s plan, said that unity and prosperity must be a priority.

Urging the country’s leaders to look into the current issues of hardship and hunger, Odubena said the country and its leaders must face challenges head on, persevere and not allow anything to dissuade them from moving forward.

The Rt. Reverend Odubena urged leaders of the country, state, local government areas and homes to recommit themselves to God, appealing to the congregation and people of the country to speak hope and not curse the nation and its leaders.

Odubena also called on everyone to embrace dialogue to address issues with government and not give space to protests and violence, saying there is a need to exercise caution and avoid vandalizing public infrastructure in the name of protest.

The preacher called on parents and guardians to call their children and wards to order.

The only Bible reading of the service was read from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 11, verses 16-31 by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

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