The fuel subsidy has indeed hit the citizens of Nigeria so hard that every sphere of the economy and every individual has its own dose, without setting apart the elites.
In response to the removal of fuel subsidy, the National Economic Council (NEC) has taken steps to provide relief measures for workers and vulnerable groups in Nigeria to mitigate the impact.
Following its inaugural meeting on Thursday which was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the council announced the formation of a committee tasked with developing the framework for organizing and distributing the relief measures within a two-week period.
The committee consists of governors representing various geopolitical zones: Kebbi for North Central, Kaduna for the Northwest, Bauchi for the Northeast, Cross River for South-South, Anambra for the Southeast, and Oyo for the Southwest.
During a briefing with State House correspondents, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, accompanied by four of his colleagues, revealed that the council explored the possibility of securing funds from the World Bank and partners in London to implement a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) program for vehicles in the country.
This proposed plan is intended to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
The council further discussed recommendations put forth by organized labour, including a request for an N702.9 billion consequential adjustment on allowances and a monthly allocation of at least N25 billion to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
Governor Mohammed also emphasized that the NEC engaged in extensive deliberations and made significant decisions concerning the removal of petroleum subsidy and its broader economic implications.
Furthermore, he highlighted the receipt of recommendations from the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission to address the situation.
