Tinubu: Fuel Subsidy Removal Was a Necessary Step
Tinubu: Fuel Subsidy Removal Was a Necessary Step
President Bola Tinubu has described the removal of fuel subsidy, announced in his inauguration day speech, as a difficult but essential decision for Nigeria’s economic stability.
Speaking on the president’s behalf during the quarterly meeting of the Progressives Governors’ Forum in Minna, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, reaffirmed the administration’s stance on the issue. The meeting was attended by Information Commissioners from APC-governed states.
Malagi urged the Commissioners to equip themselves with accurate information and relevant data, so citizens across the country can not only be informed about ongoing reforms and programmes but also understand how to access and benefit from them.
“The removal of fuel subsidy stands out as one of the boldest and most impactful reforms of this administration. While it was a tough decision, it was necessary—not only to prevent fiscal collapse but also to plug significant areas of leakage and waste in the economy,” he stated.
This has led to an increase in funding for the development of mega infrastructure such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, among others.
“It is therefore our duty, as information managers, to ensure that the citizens of this country, across all the states of the federation, not only know about these reforms and programmes but also understand how to access and benefit from them.
“That is why this conference is so important. As Commissioners for Information, you are the voice and face of government at the state level. You must go back home with renewed energy, armed with facts, stories, and strategies to effectively mobilise your people to take full advantage of the promise of Renewed Hope,” Malagi said
The minister reminded that the purpose of the conference was to reflect a recognition of a shared responsibility of effectively communicating the goals of achievements and promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda of this government to every citizen in every community across the country.
The administration’s agenda is now being steadily executed across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, with a strong emphasis on discipline, prudence, resilience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of all Nigerians.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, highlighted the importance of the forum in amplifying the achievements of the APC-led government at both federal and sub-national levels. “This platform is key to promoting the impactful work being carried out across the country under the leadership of the APC,” he noted.
Representing Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Gawu, in his welcome address, emphasized the unity and strength of the Progressive Governors, adding that they are delivering measurable, future-oriented results.
“In Niger State, we are actively building the New Niger—a bold development vision anchored on reforms in agriculture, digital transformation, urban renewal, and youth empowerment,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Niger State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman, described the meeting’s theme, “Strategic Communication and Policy Alignment,” as timely and essential in an era that demands clear direction and purpose.
“Under the forward-thinking leadership of Governor Bago, we are deliberate in leveraging communication as a tool for development, accountability, and public mobilisation in pursuit of our New Niger Agenda,” she said.
She further emphasized that the role of information managers extends beyond publicizing government achievements. It also includes countering misinformation, shaping constructive public discourse, and aligning state narratives with the broader progressive ideals that drive national development and security.
