Fuel subsidy removal reforms defended by Tinubu administration as crucial for economic stability and infrastructure investment during APC governors’ forum in Minna

Fuel subsidy removal reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration have been defended as necessary, bold, and economically stabilising, despite the hardship it caused.

Also read: Nigeria’s fuel subsidy debt to NNPCL hits N7.74tn as deregulation takes effect

Speaking during the quarterly meeting of the Progressives Governors’ Forum in Minna, Niger State, the federal government described the controversial policy as a turning point in Nigeria’s developmental journey.

Representing President Tinubu at the conference, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, explained that the administration’s decision to end the fuel subsidy on inauguration day was not taken lightly.

However, it was essential to prevent economic collapse and redirect resources into critical sectors.

“One of the boldest and most consequential decisions of this administration, which is the removal of the fuel subsidy, was a painful but necessary reform,” Malagi said.

“Beyond saving the economy from fiscal collapse, this decision has significantly blocked areas of leakage and waste in our economy.”

According to him, the savings from subsidy removal are being channelled into infrastructure projects of national significance.

Among these are the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway.

The minister urged Information Commissioners from all APC states to play a more proactive role in public communication.

He stressed the importance of educating citizens not only about the government’s programmes but also on how to access and benefit from them.

“It is our duty, as information managers, to ensure that the citizens of this country across all the states of the federation not only know about these reforms and programmes but also understand how to access and benefit from them,” he said.

Malagi further noted that the Progressives Governors’ Forum plays a vital role in bridging federal and sub-national achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

One of the boldest and most consequential decisions of this administration, which is the removal of the fuel subsidy, was a painful but necessary reform.

He emphasised the need for strategic communication in a time when the government is pushing for clarity, discipline, and national development.

The Secretary to the Government of Niger State, Abubakar Gawu, who represented Governor Mohammed Bago, welcomed the forum participants and praised the APC governors for being result-driven and focused on long-term goals.

“Here in Niger State, we are building the New Niger, a development vision driven by bold reforms in agriculture, digitisation, urban renewal and youth empowerment,” he stated.

The Niger State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman, highlighted the theme of the meeting—“Strategic Communication and Policy Alignment”—as timely.

She said that in the current climate, effective messaging and fact-based public engagement are crucial tools for achieving national progress.

“Here in Niger State under the visionary leadership of Governor Bago, we are intentional about using communication as a tool for development, accountability, and mobilisation for delivery of our New Niger Agenda,” Mamman said.

She added that information managers must not only promote government achievements but also counter misinformation and shape public discourse in line with progressive values.

The APC-led federal government continues to rely on what it calls a unified voice from the sub-national levels to promote transparency and regain public trust.

The Renewed Hope Agenda, according to Malagi, is steadily being implemented with “discipline, prudence, fortitude, and a deep commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.”

Fuel subsidy removal reforms, though difficult, are now being framed by the administration as the foundation for long-term economic revival and investment in critical infrastructure.

Also read: From Subsidy to Sovereignty: Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Gains Ground

As the forum concluded, state commissioners were urged to return home with not just talking points, but practical strategies for public mobilisation and civic education on how government reforms directly impact daily lives.