Yilwatda Warns Against Atiku's Fuel Subsidy Proposal

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed concerns regarding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's call to reinstate the old fuel subsidy regime. Yilwatda warned that this move could result in the cancellation of students' loans and a resurgence of fuel queues, potentially reversing the economic reforms currently in place.

He stated that any reintroduction of subsidies must undergo rigorous economic scrutiny to avoid recreating past fiscal pressures. During a meeting in Abuja with economic stakeholders, Yilwatda highlighted the historical fiscal burdens associated with subsidies and their negative impact on government finances, education, and infrastructure.

He noted that before the current administration, many state governments struggled to meet salary obligations. The removal of subsidies had improved federal allocations to states, allowing them to fulfill salary and pension commitments while pursuing development projects.

Yilwatda cautioned that a return to subsidies could undermine the government's ability to finance essential public services.