No Pretence, Fuel Subsidy Removal Has Made Life Tough – Gbajabiamila
No Pretence, Fuel Subsidy Removal Has Made Life Tough – Gbajabiamila
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has acknowledged that the removal of petrol subsidy and other economic reforms have made life difficult for Nigerians, insisting that the hardship should not be ignored or downplayed.Follow Politics
He, however, maintained that Tinubu took the decisions in the country’s long-term interest, choosing to address deep-rooted economic problems rather than avoid difficult choices for immediate political gains.
Gbajabiamila spoke on Tuesday in Abuja during the presentation of the administration’s 2027–2031 electoral roadmap, titled, “From Reforms to Prosperity Agenda”.
He explained that the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market were necessary steps to correct structural problems in the economy and establish a more sustainable economic foundation.
While acknowledging the financial strain the measures had imposed on households, he argued that retaining the previous policies would have worsened the country’s economic difficulties.
“Now, those decisions have placed real pressure on households. We must speak honestly about that experience because the people living through it deserve to be heard. And nobody should have to pretend that life is easy at the moment,” he said.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives contrasted political leaders who prioritise electoral victories with statesmen who are willing to make difficult decisions for the country’s future.
He argued that Tinubu could have maintained the existing economic arrangements to avoid public disapproval but chose instead to tackle what he described as longstanding economic distortions.Follow Politics
“If he came in as a politician and decided to govern as a politician, he would have continued on the cruise, on the path that we were taking.
“But instead, knowing full well the immediate consequences, he decided he would govern as a leader,” he said.
Gbajabiamila said the success of the reforms would ultimately depend on whether the changes translate into improved living standards and better economic opportunities for Nigerians.
Describing the newly unveiled electoral roadmap as an ambitious reflection of Tinubu’s governing philosophy, he said the administration was seeking to establish an economy in which citizens could earn decent livelihoods through hard work and have equal opportunities to prosper.Follow Politics
He described a manifesto as an agreement between elected leaders and the electorate, stressing that government policies should create opportunities for citizens to benefit from their efforts.
“At the heart of this manifesto is my abiding conviction that every Nigerian should be able to share. Your country should give your best efforts a fair chance.
“A manifesto, in its strictest sense, is simply a contract between the people and the leader,” Gbajabiamila said.
He also highlighted the administration’s interventions in education, social welfare, taxation and electricity, presenting them as measures aimed at widening access to economic opportunities.
Among the initiatives he mentioned were N-Power and the student loan scheme, which he said were intended to equip young Nigerians with opportunities while reducing their financial difficulties.
On taxation, Gbajabiamila said the government’s reforms were designed to ensure a fairer system by easing the burden on low-income earners and eligible small businesses.
He also pointed to the Electricity Act, which allows state governments to establish and regulate electricity markets within their jurisdictions, describing it as an important step towards attracting investment and expanding access to power.
According to him, the administration wants to create an environment where young people can pursue their ambitions without relying on political patronage or personal connections.
The Chief of Staff urged members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take responsibility for explaining the government’s policies and defending its performance ahead of the next general election.
He said the ruling party must be willing to account for its record and persuade Nigerians through its achievements rather than political promises.
“The party asking to continue in government must be prepared to answer the people whose mandate it seeks.
“We must earn support through the quality of work, through the quality of our case and the seriousness of our conduct,” he said.
Gbajabiamila added that the 2027 general election would give Nigerians the opportunity to determine whether the current administration should continue with its reform programme or whether the country should adopt alternative approaches to governance.
