Minister urges patience as petrol price hike bites, says ‘give Tinubu time’

Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that his administration is working tirelessly to revamp the economy.

Speaking at a palliative distribution event in Awka, Anambra State, on Wednesday, Ohanenye emphasized that the president needs time to address the deep-seated issues inherited from previous administrations.

“I plead with you to be patient with the president. He is doing everything to change the negative practices that have crippled the nation’s economy. Just give the president time; in the next few months, things will begin to improve. He needs time to clean up the mess left by previous administrations. Honestly, things were bad before President Tinubu took office, and he is working hard to bring happiness to Nigerians,” she said.

The minister’s appeal comes as Nigerians grapple with the recent hike in petrol prices, which has reached over N1000 in some regions. This increase is expected to exacerbate poverty, as the cost of living continues to rise. Experts warn that the poor and vulnerable will be disproportionately affected, as they spend a larger portion of their income on basic necessities.

Read Also: Govt disowns petrol price hike, blames NNPCL, global market forces

Ohanenye distributed 5,000 bags of 10 kg rice, 300 gas cylinders, and 500 bags of 50 kg fertilizers to the less privileged during the event. She highlighted the Tinubu-led administration’s social security initiatives aimed at uplifting Nigerians, particularly the poor. To access these benefits, individuals are encouraged to submit their Bank Verification Number (BVN), enabling the government to identify eligible recipients.

“The BVN helps the government identify those who qualify for federal social security palliatives. The aid is meant for the poor, not the rich, who have cornered these resources over the years,” she added.

The Impact of Petrol Price Hike on Nigerians

– Increased Cost of Living: Higher petrol prices will lead to increased transportation costs, food prices, and overall cost of living.
– Deepening Poverty: The poor and vulnerable will be disproportionately affected, as they spend a larger portion of their income on basic necessities.
– Economic Hardship: The hike will exacerbate economic hardship, undermining the government’s efforts to revamp the economy.

As Nigerians struggle to cope with the petrol price hike, the government’s palliative measures may provide temporary relief. However, sustainable solutions are needed to address the underlying economic challenges. The administration’s social security initiatives, if effectively implemented, could provide a safety net for the most vulnerable populations.

In the words of Ohanenye, “The BVN helps the government identify those who qualify for federal social security palliatives. The aid is meant for the poor, not the rich, who have cornered these resources over the years.” As the government works to implement these initiatives, Nigerians await tangible results, hoping that the president’s efforts will indeed bring happiness and economic relief to the nation.

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