Petrol Subsidy: Nigeria can’t continue to be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries – Tinubu tells Traditional Rulers

President Bola Tinubu says his administration took the right decision by removing the subsidy on premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.

President Tinubu said this at a meeting with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) at Aso Rock on Friday.

The president described the subsidy as an elephant that could have brought the country to its knees because it is struggling to pay salaries.

He said Nigeria should not be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries by providing them subsidised petrol.

“I am grateful that you are paying attention to what I have been doing,” Abiodun Oladunjoye, the villa’s director of information, quoted the president as saying.

“You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not everyday is Christmas?

“The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potential to encourage ourselves.

“I think we did the right thing.”

The president said his administration would listen to counsel.

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“We are all ears. We are ready to listen at any given time. I promise you an open-door policy and that is the way I will go. That open door policy is for you to call me and send to me at any given time any concern that you might have,” he said.

“We may not have it right 100 percent of the time but we must get it right 90 percent of the time for this country.”

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, said the monarchs are in full support of Tinubu’s administration.

“We are 100 percent in support of your government and we believe in the will of the Almighty Allah you will move this country forward,” he said.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has asked President Tinubu to make use of traditional rulers to tackle the issue of insecurity in the country.

Ooni, who is the co-chair of the NCTRN, said Tinubu should not underestimate what traditional rulers can do, given their closeness to the people.

“There are areas we will like to work with you, one of which is security. It is time to use us the more, we are not saying we are idle…but to make your work easier, use us,” he said.

“The foundation of this country today are the traditional rulers. We are here to pledge our loyalty and support. We want to work with you to ensure you leave a legacy.”