Buhari stops planned removal of fuel subsidy

By Miracle Esegha, Warri

President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended moves to remove fuel subsidy by June this year.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ahmed Zaniab indicated on Thursday, shortly after the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting, chaired by the Vice President, Yemi.

Zainab added that the issue was extensively deliberated by the NEC, comprising the State Governors and came to the conclusion that it would not be wise to remove the subsidy as soon as the new administration is trying to settle down.

She further explained that the existing committee that has been discussing the fuel subsidy issue needed to be expanded to enable more input from concerned Nigerians.

According to her, there was a need for more interface with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and more engagement with the petroleum marketers’ Association, among others.