Nigerian lawmakers reject removal of fuel subsidy

Members of the Nigerian lower
chamber, House of Representatives on Tuesday rejected a
motion seeking the removal of fuel subsidy regime by the
incoming Gen. Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The motion promoted by Rep Sunday Karimi, entitled:
“The recurring crisis of fuel subsidy” was killed by the
lawmakers.
Karimi called for a “permanent solution” to the lingering
nationwide fuel scarcity while urging the incoming Buhari
administration to “muster the necessary political will” to
end the fuel subsidy regime.
“As we speak, PMS sells in most places at the rate of
N120 and N150 depending on where it is available which
is against the official pump
price of N87,” Karimi said.
Lending his voice to the fuel subsidy regime removal,
Deputy House Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, said the regime had
become a drain on the country’s economy and urged that
government redirect fuel subsidy votes to other priority
areas.
Ogor (Delta/PDP) said: “How long will we continue to
spend money we don’t have? How long will we allow oil
marketers to hold us to ransom?
When will our refineries work? The money that we spend
on fuel subsidy can be channelled to other crucial areas.”
On the contrary, Rep Osai Nicolas Osai (Delta/PDP) said
the motion’s timing was wrong and belated as the
outstanding subsidy payment causing the fuel scarcity
had been dealt with on Monday at a meeting between the
finance minister and oil marketers.
“I disagree with this motion, because it is coming very late
and standing on a very weak premise. The issue involved
has to do with
subsidy payment.
“The Minister of Finance and marketers were in a meeting
which ended yesterday (Monday) and that matter has
been resolved. So the House would be wasting resources
and energy in trying to dabble into this matter.”