President Bola Tinubu has finally addressed the rise in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Speaking to Nigerians in China on Friday, Tinubu explained that the increase in petrol prices, along with other reforms by his administration, is part of a broader strategy aimed at driving Nigeria toward economic growth.
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“Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices,” presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted Tinubu as saying.
“What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented?
“The more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development.”
On Tuesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised the pump price of petrol to N855 at its retail outlets, leading to long queues at filling stations.
This move faced backlash from many Nigerians and various groups, who urged the Federal Government to reverse the decision.
The price hike occurs against a backdrop of petrol scarcity and escalating inflation, further increasing the hardships faced by Nigerians.
At the Beijing meeting, Tinubu defended the decision, saying hard decisions are crucial to economic prosperity.
“But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?
“So many of you are so talented, speaking very fluent Mandarin. It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people.”
The President acknowledged that achieving national consensus can be challenging, but he is prepared to make tough decisions to advance the nation.
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