The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it’s not unmindful of the discomfort and financial strain the electricity tariffs and increase in petrol price has brought on Nigerians.
It however said the pains brought about by the reforms are temporary and citizens will start reaping the benefits soon.
The Editor Nigeria Reports that the party made its position on the contentious reforms know in a statement signed by its deputy national publicity secretary, Yekini Nabena.
The political party said what Nigerians need to do is to endure the endure the hardship and enjoy the gains later.
“APC is not oblivious of the financial strains brought by the increase in fuel pump price and electricity rates. We urge Nigerians to endure now and enjoy gains soon,†the political party said.
“The reviews are crucial and hard thought decisions by government. On the positive side, the short and long-term benefits on the citizenry and our national life will become obvious and directly felt in critical sectors such as health, education, infrastructure and social services targeted at the poor.â€
The ruling political party said the current administration’s focus is to improve local refining capacities, electricity and service delivery while also protecting vulnerable Nigerians from arbitrary and estimated electricity billing.
“We call on all stakeholders, government at all levels, private sector organizations, labour unions, civil societies, students and youth groups to support governments decision on the ongoing deregulation exercise as the citizens will be the ultimate beneficiaries.
“We urge stakeholders, particularly the organised labour such as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to be hoodwinked by skewed opposition party narratives on the deregulation exercise and electricity tariffs.
“The same partisans have failed to account for and return trillions of naira stolen from national coffers in the guise of subsidizing fuel and the degrading of the electricity sector under their watch despite huge allocations and subsequent theft of the resources meant to improve the sector.â€
Various groups, including labour unions, have condemned and opposed the federal government’s decision to halt electricity and petrol subsidies.
They argue that the timing is not right given that jobs and livelihoods have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the minister of state for petroleum resources, Timipre Sylva, says the country will save N1 trillion annually from fuel subsidy removal that can be used to improve the lives of Nigerians.
