Subsidy:Nsukka Residents Laud FG

Some residents of Nsukka in Enugu State, have commended the Federal Government for removing fuel subsidy, which they said would make it possible for crude oil to be refined locally.

However, some others said the removal had unleashed hardship and suffering on Nigerians.

The residents expressed the mixed feelings last Thursday while speaking with newsmen.

Mr Desmond Uwalaka, a secondary school teacher, said that although Nigerians would suffer temporarily, “the long term benefits of fuel subsidy removal are capable of moving the country’s economy to the next level.

“Nothing good comes easy in life. Nigerians should make this sacrifice that will improve the economy as well as attract more foreign investors into the country.

“The investors will build private refineries that will in turn create employment opportunities. Some countries that we are envying today had at one time or the other made similar sacrifice,’’ he said.

He, however, advised the government to ensure that money that would be generated from the subsidy removal be judiciously utilised.

“With palliative measures put in place by the government, the sufferings of the masses will be alleviated.

“The government should ensure that reputable Nigerians are in the committee to manage the money accruable from the subsidy removal,’’ he said.

Also reacting, Mr Timothy Urama, a retired civil servant, commended the government for its determination to open up the downstream sector.

“It will generate more employment opportunities as well as help the government to build more infrastructure in the country.

“If the government keeps on subsidising fuel, what it means is that the country will continue to refine crude oil outside for ever.

“I have absolute confidence in Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance, for supporting the fuel subsidy removal. I know the country will benefit from it.

“Okonjo-Iweala is a world acclaimed economist, and as such will not support any economic policy that will be inimical to this country,’’ he said.

In his own reaction, Mr Livinus Ani said the government should have fought corruption before removing the subsidy.

“It is the same government officials who misappropriated public funds that will also handle money that will come out of subsidy removal.

“The subsidy money may also end up in the same pockets of few privileged Nigerians while majority will continue to suffer.

“This subsidy removal is meant to make the rich richer and poor poorer. The government should, in the interest of poor masses, rescind its decision on fuel subsidy removal,’’ Ani said.