Kwankwaso Critiques Tinubu's Subsidy Removal, Promises Reform

Rabiu Kwankwaso, speaking in an exclusive interview with Arise News, criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to remove the fuel subsidy in May 2023, stating it led to significant economic hardship in Nigeria. Kwankwaso noted that while all major candidates had promised to remove the subsidy, Tinubu's immediate implementation lacked necessary safeguards, resulting in adverse consequences.

He also expressed skepticism about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's proposal to privatize refineries, deeming it politically motivated and unclear. Kwankwaso asserted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would restore subsidy in a redefined manner, emphasizing the need for government involvement in building refineries to ensure affordable fuel prices.

He outlined the NDC's plan to expand both public and private refinery capacities to meet demand and stabilize prices, asserting that their approach would not resemble the previous subsidy regime but would provide necessary relief to Nigerians.