HARDSHIP: ‘We appreciate your patience, but endure more’, govt tells Nigerians

The Nigerian government has told citizens to continue enduring the hardship and hunger in the country as the reforms which President Bola Tinubu has implemented since assuming office in 2023 will soon yield favourable results.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, made the plea during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance in Abuja on Thursday. He said though the Tinubu-led government appreciates the endurance of Nigerians on side effects of economic reforms, he however, called for more patience as the reforms will turn out good in the long run.

According to Edun, the teething problems from the reforms are over and Nigerians should expect better days ahead.

“I think we need to commend Nigerians for staying the cause to this stage of getting benefits,” the Minister said while addressing the Committee.

“The two critical reforms on market-based price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and foreign exchange, are now at the stage of results delivery and by extension, viability of the Nation’s economy through restoration of fiscal viability,” he noted.

“These two pillars of the economic reforms that have taken positive shape now portends additional revenue for government, recovery of the finances of NNPCL and strong basis for growing the economy, in terms of attracting investment and creating of jobs,” he added.

Also speaking at the gathering, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sani Musa said the session was a fact finding one on workability or otherwise of the various reforms.

READ ALSO: Bauchi gov, Mohammed, criticizes federal policies amid growing hardship

“Today we gather to deliberate on the pressing matters related to the sales of crude oil to domestic refineries in Nigeria, in Naira and its implication on the approved medium-term expenditure framework and fiscal strategy paper for 2024-2026 and what we should expect for 2025-2027.

“Additionally, we will examine shortfalls in NMPCL revenue remittances, focusing on key areas such as foreign and domestic excess crude accounts, the signature bonus accounts, NMPCL cash call account and any outstanding or remitted revenue linked to under-recoveries.

“This meeting underscores our commitment to transparency, accountability and the responsible management of our national resources.

“I am confident that with the collaboration of the Ministry of Finance under the able leadership of the coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria and Revenue Mobilization and Physical Commission and other critical stakeholders present here, we will identify solutions and ensure that due process are upheld for the benefit of our economy and the Nigerian people.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now