Nigeria’s Special Assistant to the President on Constituency Affairs, Khadijat Omotayo, has called for an end to criticisms directed at President Bola Tinubu over the contentious removal of fuel subsidies.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, Omotayo urged citizens to focus on collaborative nation-building while highlighting key initiatives aimed at mitigating economic hardships.
Omotayo acknowledged public frustration but defended the subsidy removal as a necessary step to redirect resources toward broader development.
She clarified that proceeds from the policy have been distributed across all 36 states to fund infrastructure, social programs, and economic interventions.
While specific figures were not provided, historical data from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reveals that fuel subsidies cost the country over $9.7 billion in 2022 alone – a burden critics argue stifled growth.
The presidential aide also highlighted Tinubu’s recent approval of salary increments for federal workers, marking the first such increase since 2019.
Though details on percentage adjustments remain undisclosed, Omotayo emphasized the administration’s pledge to review wages periodically.
Additionally, she underscored the newly launched Students Loans Fund, established under the Students Loans Act 2023.
The initiative offers interest-free loans repayable two years after graduation, with deductions tied directly to beneficiaries’ future earnings.
Over 1.2 million applications have reportedly been received since its launch, according to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Inclusivity Beyond Party Lines
Omotayo pointed to her presence in Plateau – a state governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – as proof of Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance.
“Elections are over; governance must unite us,” she stated, urging citizens to hold local leaders accountable rather than focusing grievances on the presidency.
She praised Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang for fostering cross-party collaboration, citing his administration’s youth empowerment programs and agricultural revitalization projects.
Federal Efforts
Represented by the State Commissioner for Youths, Musa Ashoms, Governor Mutfwang thanked Tinubu for prioritizing dialogue through events like the town hall.
He echoed Omotayo’s appeal for patience, noting Plateau’s inclusion in federal initiatives such as the National Agricultural Development Fund.
However, he humorously invoked the Yoruba term “Emilokan” (It’s my turn), a phrase popularized by Tinubu during his campaign, to humorously request additional support for state-specific projects.
Omotayo ended by reiterating Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which prioritizes poverty reduction, job creation, and equitable resource distribution.
She urged Nigerians to leverage opportunities like the student loan scheme while fostering open communication with elected representatives.
The event, attended by traditional leaders, labor unions, and civil society groups, reflects the administration’s push for grassroots engagement.
As Nigeria navigates complex reforms, Omotayo’s message underscores a central theme: progress demands collective effort, not partisan division.