Business
Drop Removal Of Oil Subsidy Plan, Action Aid Tells FG
The Federal Government has been called upon to block areas of leakages in the management of the nation’s economy, rather than removing subsidy on oil, in order to make life more meaningful for the people.
The Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria Dr Hussaini Abdu, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while fielding questions from Journalists at a news conference.
“A review in the accountability process and a reform of the system would help in re-building the economy of the nation rather than removal of fuel subsidy.”
“As proposed by Federal Government, any increase of pump price of fuel product would push food prices now or in future will definitely undermine all national and global efforts to alleviate hunger.”
Abdu, who decried the level of poverty in the country, said that over 12 million people were undernourished.
He said that “nearly a third of children are underweight and 38 percent of children show signs of chronic malnutrition”.
He argued that if the subsidy was removed, the value chain on agriculture would be seriously affected.
The country director said the cost of production, processing, storage and marketing of agricultural produce should be increased at every stage.
Abdu said the objective of the proposed management team of the fuel subsidy proceeds might not be realised in view of corruption in the country.
He point out that “the money will also go down the same lane as in the case of previous subsidy.
“You cannot invest in the life of the poor by removing fuel subsidy in the middle of corruption, misappropriation of fund and insecurity.
“And such issues should be addressed and not fuel subsidy, which will further harm the economic system.”
Abdu stressed the need for accountability and transparency, adding that the activities of the petroleum sector should be opened for public scrutiny.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
