Mbah Defends Tinubu’s Fuel Subsidy Removal, Warns Against Reversal

Enugu Governor Says Returning to Subsidy Could Weaken the Naira, Increase Poverty and Discourage Investors

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, warning that any attempt to restore it could weaken the naira, worsen poverty and discourage potential investors.

Mbah made the remarks on Wednesday during the Meet the Candidates town hall meeting organised by Afia TV in Enugu, where he described a return to the former subsidy regime as a step backwards for the Nigerian economy.

According to the governor, reinstating the subsidy could undermine the economic gains the government is seeking to achieve and create uncertainty among investors, particularly those considering investments in the energy sector.

“If you reintroduce fuel subsidy today, we will lose ten times whatever we are currently trying to gain in terms of the removal of subsidy,” Mbah said, warning that such a move could trigger panic and prompt investors to reconsider their plans.

He urged the Federal Government to focus on attracting private investment and ensuring that the benefits of subsidy removal translate into jobs, wealth creation and improved living conditions for Nigerians.

The governor also argued that the previous subsidy system disproportionately benefited wealthy Nigerians, while the current approach provides an opportunity for the government to direct support towards vulnerable households.

Mbah cited cash transfers and a proposed support programme targeting 1,000 people per ward nationwide as examples of initiatives intended to help citizens become economically productive.

He further commended the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, claiming they had helped stabilise key macroeconomic indicators and encouraged both portfolio and foreign direct investments.

Mbah Highlights Enugu Development Projects

Speaking on his administration’s performance, Mbah listed several projects he said had contributed to development across Enugu State.

Among them were the rehabilitation of Hotel Presidential, the International Conference Centre, Enugu Air, transport terminals, 268 smart green schools, 260 Type 2 primary healthcare centres, an international hospital and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

The governor also outlined his future ambitions for the state, including improved road infrastructure, expanded electricity generation, round-the-clock power supply and the development of a monorail system.

He said his administration was working towards a future in which Enugu could generate 660 megawatts of electricity, potentially reducing dependence on diesel-powered generators and lowering energy costs for businesses and households.

Mbah urged residents to support the continuation of his administration’s development agenda, saying the state must sustain its progress and build on the achievements of his first term.

His comments come amid continuing national debate over the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, particularly its effects on transportation costs, household purchasing power and the cost of living.