From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the Federal Government over the suspension of the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products.
The party, in a statement by its Secretary Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator John Akpanudoedehe, said government took into consideration the fact that the removal of subsidy at this time would heighten inflation and cause undue hardship on citizens.
“Programmes and policies of government are meant to benefit the people. So, if the timing of the planned subsidy removal would cause hardship on citizens, then a review was necessary. We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for always putting the welfare and well being of Nigerians first as he has serially displayed in the implementation of programmes and policies of this administration.
“In line with the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Federal Government is already putting in place measures, particularly boosting our local refining capacities to reduce the country’s reliance on expensive import of refined petroleum products. This will in due course usher in the eventual and full deregulation of the country’s petroleum sector.
“Finally, the APC commends the cordial and healthy relations between the executive and the 9th National Assembly which has ensured good governance. Nigerians have been the ultimate beneficiaries as displayed in the positive outcomes of the meeting between Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed and the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on the suspension of the planned subsidy removal.”