The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has said President Bola Tinubu saved the country from paying ₦5.4 trillion for petrol subsidy in 2024.
The Ogun State Governor said Nigeria has been subsidizing petrol for other neighbouring African countries through subsidy payments by other administrations.
Governor Abiodun stated this during a church service commemorating the 64th Independence Day celebration held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.
He enjoined Nigerians to persevere in the hardship, stating the President is repositioning the country for greater growth
“The federal government under the amiable leadership of our President, Bola Tinubu, 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. President removed the subsidy, which, if not curbed, would have cost us ₦5.4 trillion by the end of 2024.
“We have been busy subsidizing our neighbours, 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 N5.4 trillion, if not curbed or checked,” he said.
Dapo Abiodun further advised Nigerians to shun the October 1st protest. He called for prayers for the country. He noted that it would be better to engage with the government constructively than to engage in protest.
“Let us be resilient, let us continue to pray, let us persevere, and let us hold on to our faith in Almighty God.
“Let us not join those who continue to fan the flames of discord in our land, and those who are calling for protests, violence, and civil disobedience, which only leads to vandalism, looting, and destruction of public property.
“Let us engage constructively and work with the government, knowing that this administration is an inclusive one,” Governor Abiodun added.