President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that fuel subsidy will not be restored, insisting that his administration remains committed to the policy despite persistent calls for its reversal.
The President made this known on Tuesday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Dutse, Jigawa State, where he unveiled the party’s manifesto and outlined its plans for Nigeria’s economic development.
Tinubu, who dismissed reports suggesting that the Federal Government was considering a return to fuel subsidy, urged Nigerians not to be misled by those making such claims.
“To those who say subsidy is coming back, it’s a lie. Don’t let them lie to you again. It’s not going to come back,” he declared.
He argued that restoring the subsidy would undermine the country's long-term economic progress and compromise the future of younger generations, maintaining that the resources saved from its removal would be better deployed to critical sectors of the economy.
According to him, the government intends to channel the savings into education, agriculture and infrastructure to stimulate growth and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
On food security, the President announced plans to introduce interest-free loans for smallholder farmers and establish mechanised farming service centres across the six geopolitical zones.
He said the initiative would increase agricultural productivity, strengthen food supply and ultimately bring down the prices of food commodities.
“We have to invest in agriculture. There will be interest-free loans for farmers. Prosperity is coming. Food security will happen,” he assured.
Turning to the country's security challenges, Tinubu pledged that his administration would intensify military and security operations to defeat criminal elements threatening national peace and stability.
He urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence on suspicious movements and activities in their communities.
“We are working hard to ensure that Nigeria is safe. We will conquer insecurity. We will defeat the enemies of unity, stability and hope,” the President said.
Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government had improved the welfare packages and remuneration of security personnel to strengthen their commitment and operational capacity.
On education, he revealed that funds recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from corruption-related cases would be redirected to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Describing the student loan scheme as a major intervention against poverty, the President said the initiative would expand access to higher education and provide more Nigerian youths with opportunities to pursue their academic ambitions.
“NELFUND is our weapon against poverty,” he stated.
The President further highlighted plans to strengthen electricity supply, expand support for small and medium-scale enterprises, create employment opportunities and equip young Nigerians with practical skills to meet emerging economic demands.
He also praised Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi for what he described as remarkable development strides, urging residents to support his re-election.
“I have been here a number of years. I have never seen so much progress. This man has worked tirelessly for all of us,” Tinubu said.
The rally drew APC supporters from different parts of Jigawa State, with the President using the gathering to present the party's manifesto and renew his administration's promises on economic growth, food security, education, infrastructure and national security.
