Reps speedily approve Tinubu’s N500bn request to cushion subsidy removal

The house of representatives has passed an amendment to the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2022.

The amendment passed first, second and third readings during plenary on Thursday.

President Bola Tinubu had asked the lawmakers to approve the N500 billion, in order to allow the federal government to provide palliatives to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians.

The sum is to be extracted from the N819 billion Supplementary Appropriation Act.

During his inaugural speech on May 29, Tinubu declared that “fuel subsidy is gone”. The announcement immediately led to resurfacing of long queues at petrol stations and a hike in the pump price of the product.

Nigerians have been feeling the pangs of that declaration, amid increased economic hardship, hike in transport fares, spiralling inflation and widespread poverty.

The president had promised that palliatives would be introduced to cushion the economic hardship.

‘LIVING WAGE, NOT MINIMUM WAGE’

While leading the debate on the bill, Julius Ihonvbere, majority leader, said the N500 billion request from the executive shows that the nation has a “government that listens”.

He said every nation must review its programmes and policies in order not to cause untold hardship for citizens.

He asked his colleagues to support the approval of the president’s request in the “spirit of collaboration with the executive”.

Also speaking, Ahmed Jaha from Borno, commended the executive for taking steps to cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians.

Jaha said the house should ensure that the money is used judiciously and prudently.

Beni Lar from Plateau said while the move should be commended, it is important to know the types of palliatives that will be provided.

She asked the house to set up an ad hoc committee to recommend the nature of the palliative and how it should be implemented.

Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader, said the government must be responsive to make an impact.

“We want living wage, not minimum wage, don’t suffocate us. School fees are high, electricity bill is high and so on,” he said.