Vice President Kashim Shettima has accused beneficiaries of the petrol subsidy scam of attempting to sabotage the policies of the Tinubu administration, News About Nigeria reports.
Speaking at the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja, Shettima emphasised that the removal of the fuel subsidy is non-negotiable.
He addressed those trying to undermine the government’s efforts, “We know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade. We know the fuel scam industry is a very lucrative one, and they will make every effort to undermine us. But as I said earlier, the removal of fuel subsidy is irrevocable.”
Shettima also stressed that the recent policies of the Tinubu administration are already yielding positive results as both state and federal governments are now benefiting from increased allocations, and the savings from subsidy removal can be redirected to more deserving causes.
He highlighted the importance of partnering with experts in the banking and finance industry to rejuvenate the economy.
Shettima said, “We seek your partnership in getting this done. We cannot take your support for granted. This journey towards economic rejuvenation is not one to be undertaken in isolation. It is a call to forge robust partnerships with strategic nations and multilateral organizations.”
The Vice President further urged the banking and finance industry stakeholders to support the Tinubu administration’s eight-point agenda, which prioritises food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, security improvement, a fair playing field for businesses, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption.
Meanwhile, the President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ken Opara, praised the reform initiatives of President Bola Tinubu and emphasised that their successful implementation could unlock the nation’s economic potential.
The event was attended by prominent figures such as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso, among others.
