Fuel Subsidy Removal Helped States Cut Debt, Kwara Governor Tells Tinubu

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a bold and courageous decision to remove fuel subsidy, saying the policy has brought significant financial benefits to states across the country.
Speaking on the impact of the subsidy removal, AbdulRazaq recalled that he was initially uncertain about how the policy would be implemented after being informed by the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) that the decision was final.
“When I got a call from the NSA and DG DSS to be informed subsidy will be removed and there is no going back, I was wondering how this can be implemented,” the governor said.
According to him, many Nigerians were surprised by the President’s resolve to push through with the policy despite widespread concerns about its immediate economic impact.
He noted, however, that the benefits of the decision are now becoming evident, particularly in the finances of state governments.
“The nation was shocked by the audacity of Mr President to implement that policy. Today, we benefit from that policy,” AbdulRazaq stated.
The Kwara governor revealed that his administration has been able to substantially reduce the state’s debt burden as a result of improved revenues following the subsidy removal.
“Now in my state, we have reduced our debt by 40 per cent,” he added.
The remarks add to growing endorsements of the subsidy removal policy by government officials, who argue that the reform has improved public finances and created room for increased investments in development projects across the country.