Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that $10 billion was spent by the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari in subsidizing fuel in 2022.
He said the current administration was bent on exiting fuel subsidy because of its negative implications for the country as a whole.
Shettima reiterated his principal’s position on Tuesday, while reporting for duties on his first day in office at the Presidential Villa Abuja.
He said the current administration anticipated that there will be fierce opposition to its decision to remove fuel subsidy.
His words, “The President has already made pronouncements yesterday on the issue of the fuel subsidy. The truth of the matter is that, it is either we get rid of the subsidy or the fuel subsidy gets rid of the Nigerian nation.
“In 2022, we spent $10 billion subsidizing the ostentatious lifestyle of the upper class of society because you and I benefit 90% from the oil subsidy. The poor 40% of Nigerians benefit very little and we know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade.
“We will get fierce opposition from those benefiting from the oil subsidy scam, but where there is a will, there is a way. Be rest assured that our president is a man of strong will and conviction.
“In the fullness of time, you will appreciate his noble intentions for the nation. The issue of fuel subsidy will be frontally addressed. The earlier we do so, the better.’’
