By; Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna.
National Working Committee (NWC) of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the Federal Government to not only provide palliative measures that will cushion the effect of the sudden withdrawal of the subsidy regime, but also channel the gains of the deregulation into infrastructural development of the country.
The ACF disclosed this in a statement issued shortly after its monthly meeting presided by its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie in Kaduna.
The meeting deliberated on management matters, issues of national importance especially the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant challenges and resolved to fully support the FG’s decision on the subsidy removal.
The statement reads as follow, “Nigerians have in the last few months suffered untold hardship due to scarcity of petroleum products (especially petrol) which was attributed to low capacity production by the refineries, vandalization of pipeline facilities and foreign exchange problem which has affected the capacity of the Independent Marketers to import petrol and sell at the control price.
“That the Federal Government’s new fuel pricing and supply framework which allows independent marketers and any Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange and import petrol is a welcome progressive policy.
“ACF wholly supports the total deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector which will promote competition and private participation. It however, urges the Federal Government to not only provide palliative measures that will cushion the effect of the sudden withdrawal of the subsidy regime but also channel the gains of the deregulation into infrastructural development.
“ACF therefore appeals to all Nigerians to be patient with, and have faith in President Muhammadu Buhari – led government, as our best hope to prosperity and greatness.”