Don’t Let Them Lie to You, Subsidy Not Coming Back—Tinubu

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu has ruled out the possibility of restoring the petrol subsidy, saying his administration will sustain its removal and channel the savings into critical sectors of the economy.

President Tinubu made the declaration on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Dutse, Jigawa State, where he presented the party’s manifesto and economic development agenda.

The President dismissed claims that the federal government was considering a return to fuel subsidy, describing them as misleading.

“To those who say subsidy is coming back, it’s a lie. Don’t let them lie to you again. It’s not going to come back,” he said.

He argued that restoring the subsidy would undermine the country’s long-term development and jeopardise the future of Nigerian children.

Mr Tinubu said funds saved from subsidy removal would be invested in education, agriculture and infrastructure to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

Major opposition candidate, Mr Atiku Abubakar, of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had emphasised a return to subsidy, if elected.

On agriculture, President Tinubu announced plans to introduce interest-free loans for smallholder farmers and establish mechanised farming service centres across the six geopolitical zones.

According to him, the initiatives are aimed at increasing agricultural production, strengthening food security and reducing food prices.

“We have to invest in agriculture. There will be interest-free loans for farmers. Prosperity is coming. Food security will happen,” he said.

The President also pledged to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, urging Nigerians to support security agencies by providing useful information about suspicious movements and activities.

“We are working hard to ensure that Nigeria is safe. We will conquer insecurity. We will defeat the enemies of unity, stability and hope,” he said.

He added that the federal government had strengthened security agencies through improved welfare packages and better remuneration for personnel.

On education, he said funds recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from corruption-related cases would be channelled into the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He described the student loan scheme as a major tool for reducing poverty and expanding access to higher education.

“NELFUND is our weapon against poverty,” he said.

President Tinubu also highlighted plans to improve electricity supply, expand support for small and medium-scale enterprises, create jobs and equip young Nigerians with relevant skills.

He commended Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi for his administration’s development projects and urged residents to support his re-election.

The rally attracted APC supporters from across the state and provided an opportunity for Mr Tinubu to present the party’s manifesto and outline its economic development agenda.