The Ondo State government has formed a dedicated committee to devise effective palliative measures, to address the adverse consequences of fuel subsidy removal on the lives of its residents.
During a recent State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Akure, Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa revealed the appointment of a nine-member committee tasked with strategizing on initiatives to alleviate the burden of fuel subsidy removal.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of individuals across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Chaired by Olugbenga Ale, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the committee includes Bayo Philips, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, serving as the secretary.
According to News About Nigeria, other members comprise Kayode Ogundele, the Head of Service; Wale Akinterinwa, the Commissioner of Finance; Wunmi Ilawole, the Special Adviser on Education; Dare Aragbaye, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties; Tobi Ogunleye, the Special Adviser on Transport; and Tolu Adegbie, the Chairman of ODIRS.
Explaining the committee’s purpose, Emmanuel Igbasan, the Commissioner of Economic Planning and Budget, stated that it was established to alleviate the severe consequences of fuel subsidy removal, working within the available resources of the state.
This move by the Ondo government follows President Bola Tinubu’s appeal to the National Assembly for $800 million in loans to support the national social safety net program.
The program aims to provide palliative measures to cushion the impact of subsidy removal, with the loan expected to offer a monthly stipend of N8,000 (approximately $10) to twelve million families registered under the federal government’s National Register.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential misuse of public funds, drawing comparisons to previous initiatives where corrupt politicians hoarded essential supplies meant for vulnerable citizens.
Tinubu’s decision to discontinue fuel subsidies, which he believes primarily benefit the wealthy, has sparked widespread public debate and scepticism.
