The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, has applauded the removal of fuel subsidies, stating that it is in the best interest of Nigerians.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had announced the removal of fuel subsidy in his inaugural speech on Monday, May 29.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise News’ Morning Show on Saturday, Usman said she doesn’t consider the removal of fuel subsidy as suffering the Nigerian masses.

The former Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), said the subsidy removal is a reflection of the current reality in Nigeria, adding that the notion of the government subsidizing fuel for  them is misleading.

Usman also added that the federal government cannot be subsidizing petrol other countries.

He said: “I don’t consider the removal of subsidy as ‘suffering’ the masses. It’s a reflection of the current reality in Nigeria. It’s important for Nigerians to note that the notion of the government subsidizing them is misleading; the government was subsidizing other countries.”

Speaking on the student loan scheme, Usman said the purpose of the initiative is to provide some form of benefit to Nigerian students in higher institutions.

She added: “People may say that student loan scheme isn’t primarily designed to benefit the poor but it aims to provide some form of benefit to Nigerians. Although it may not specifically target the poor, it does offer opportunities for a significant segment of Nigerians.”