News
President Tinubu Reveals why he Included Fuel Subsidy Removal in his Inauguration speech
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has on Friday described fuel subsidy as a “scam” and disincentive to growth, saying it rewarded smugglers and reduced the burden of the “real cost” of the commodity for some countries.
Tinubu made the assertion during a meeting with members of the Nigerian community in France, said a statement by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake, later that day.
Addressing Nigerians in France, Tinubu explained that the Special Adviser on Monetary Policy, Wale Edun and Alake had excluded fuel subsidy removal from his inaugural speech, “but he felt it was expedient to stop the subsidy on the first day”.
President Bola Tinubu meets with Nigerians in Paris, France on Friday, June 23, 2023. Photo: State House
This marked the first time the President would publicly comment on his May 29 inaugural speech, in which he declared that fuel subsidy is gone.
The comment sparked a near-instant hike in prices and hoarding, leading to calls for protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). This is despite former President Muhammadu Buhari’s early moves to end the payment of fuel subsidy by June.
President promised to reposition the education and health sectors, adding that ongoing reforms on the economy would be sustained and expanded, with a view to relieving families struggling with the burden of poverty and insecurity.
The remarks come 11 days after the President signed the Students Loan Bill into Law.
See the full statement below:
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
DIASPORA NIGERIANS POUR ENCOMIUMS ON PRESIDENT TINUBU FOR DECISIVE ACTION ON ECONOMY, PRESIDENT PROMISES TURN AROUND IN EDUCATION, HEALTH, SPORTS, SECURITY,
ENERGY
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Friday in Paris–France assured Nigerians of repositioning the education and health sectors, while the ongoing reforms on the economy will be sustained and expanded, with a view to relieving families struggling with the burden of poverty and insecurity.
In an interactive session with members of Nigerian community living in France, who lauded President Tinubu for taking bold, decisive and visionary steps in fixing the economy, the Nigerian leader said more creative and innovate policies will be explored and implemented in areas that directly impact livelihood of Nigerians, like electricity sports and energy.
“To all of you, our hope renewed,’’ he said, welcoming plethora of suggestions going forward for the economy, and explaining some of the short-term and long-term framework for providing growth opportunities for individuals, families and institutions.
President Tinubu said the interest of Nigerians will always be protected, even in engagements with the international community, governments and multilateral institutions on global issues relating to climate change, energy transition, food security, trade, security and diplomacy.
“We have transport challenges, electricity challenges, infrastructural challenges and others. I let out the giant elephant of fuel subsidy without bringing down the house,’’ he said, adding, “Our diversity is our asset, if we know how to use it.’’
“We must promote unity and stability for all. Whether you voted for me during the elections, or not, I am your President. I will work on your behalf to ensure a turning point of prosperity,’’ the President told the gathering of professionals, including David Alaba, a footballer.
The President said he was presented with an option of meeting with a handful of Nigerians in France, but he preferred a larger number, pledging to be persistent, determined and focused on reforms for a better country.
President Tinubu explained that the fuel subsidy was a “scam” and disincentive to growth as it rewarded smugglers and reduced the burden of real cost of the commodity for some countries.
He said the Special Adviser on Monetary Policy, Wale Edun and Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake, had excluded fuel subsidy removal in his inaugural speech, but he felt it was expedient to stop the subsidy on the first day.
“It was the next day I called the GMD of NNPL,’’ he said.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro, thanked the President for accepting the proposal for the meeting with Nigerians on short notice and tight schedule, while the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Ereluwa introduced some of the experts in France.
“We have Nigerians who are doing great today among us. We have the diaspora day and diaspora investment summit that provides opportunities for us to celebrate them, and attract new interests,’’ she said.
Prof Emmanuel Iga, Abiodun Odunuga, Anino Elawa, commended the President for the great steps taken in three weeks to reposition the economy.
“You have shown we have a committed and competent leader. You are the first President, who has no godfather. You are your godfather. We are impressed with removal of subsidy and streamlining of foreign exchange. We will wait for the palliatives,’’ Iga said.
Nigerians at the event assured President Tinubu of their full support for his progressive ideas.
Special Adviser to the President
Special Duties, Communication and Strategy
June 23, 2023
News
Lagos State Govt Seals Popular Ladipo Spare Parts Market
The Lagos State Government has sealed the bustling Ladipo Spare Parts Market, a major automobile parts hub located along the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) in Mushin, due to repeated breaches of environmental regulations.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the enforcement action on Sunday via his official X account. He stated that the market was shut down this morning over persistent violations, primarily indiscriminate refuse disposal on road medians and highways, compounded by illegal street trading activities.
“Lagos State Government, this morning, sealed Ladipo Spare Parts Market along Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) over repeated environmental infractions; indiscriminate refuse disposal on the median/highway and illegal street trading.
#ZeroToleranceLagos,” Wahab posted.
The closure forms part of the state’s intensified crackdown on environmental offences under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which prioritizes cleanliness, public health, and adherence to waste management standards as outlined in the THEMES Plus agenda.
Authorities emphasized that such practices pose serious risks to public health, traffic flow, and overall urban sanitation.
This is not the first time the market has faced such measures. In September 2023, Ladipo was previously sealed for similar issues, including reckless waste disposal, unhygienic conditions, and non-payment of waste bills. It was later reopened after operators met compliance requirements.
Traders and stakeholders at the market, one of the largest spare parts markets in the region, are now awaiting further directives from the government on conditions for reopening.
The state has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward indiscriminate dumping and urged all markets and businesses to adopt proper waste disposal practices to avoid similar sanctions.
Officials have not specified a reopening timeline, but enforcement actions are expected to continue across other non-compliant markets in the state.
News
Senate to Hold Emergency Plenary Sitting on Tuesday Amid Electoral Reform Backlash
The Nigerian Senate will convene an emergency plenary sitting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 12:00 noon, following intense public criticism of its recent decision on electoral amendments.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Clerk of the Senate Emmanuel Odo announced that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had directed the immediate reconvening of the chamber. The notice called on all senators to attend the special session in the Senate Chamber.
The emergency meeting follows widespread outrage over the Senate’s February 4 passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026.
During the third reading, lawmakers rejected a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) that would have required presiding officers to transmit polling unit results electronically in real time directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
Instead, the Senate retained the existing provision from the 2022 Electoral Act, which gives INEC discretionary power to electronically transfer results only after votes are counted and publicly announced at polling units.
The decision has drawn strong condemnation from civil society organizations, opposition leaders including Peter Obi, election monitoring groups, and bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association.
Critics argue the move weakens electoral transparency, increases the risk of manipulation, and sets back progress ahead of the 2027 general elections. Protests have been announced outside the National Assembly starting Monday to pressure the Senate to reconsider, with some stakeholders indicating possible legal action.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the chamber’s position, stating over the weekend that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission of results.
He explained that lawmakers only removed the mandatory real-time requirement due to practical challenges, including network issues in insecure areas affecting several states, while preserving the overall electronic transmission framework used in past elections.
Akpabio added that the Senate would not be swayed by intimidation and emphasized that the legislative process on the bill remains active.
The official agenda for Tuesday’s session has not been made public, but it is widely expected to address the controversy, respond to public pressure, and possibly revisit elements of the disputed clause in light of calls for stronger electoral safeguards.
News
LASTMA Averts Midnight Petrol Tanker Fire Disaster at Awoyaya, Lekki–Epe Expressway
Quick action by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) prevented a major fire disaster early Sunday morning after a fully loaded petrol (PMS) tanker overturned at Awoyaya on the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. when the articulated tanker lost control and flipped on the inward carriageway, spilling its highly flammable cargo and creating an immediate risk of explosion and widespread fire along the busy corridor.
LASTMA’s Rescue and Recovery Unit responded swiftly upon receiving the alert, securing the scene with a safety perimeter, diverting traffic, and preventing fuel scoopers and secondary crashes. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was also mobilised without delay, enforcing strict fire prevention measures and continuous monitoring to eliminate ignition risks.

With no injuries or casualties reported, responders halted traffic in the affected area before safely resuming flow once the threat was neutralised. The petrol was carefully trans-loaded into a replacement 33,000-litre tanker under close supervision by emergency teams.
LASTMA urged tanker drivers to maintain vehicles rigorously, exercise extreme caution—especially at night—and strictly follow safety rules to protect lives and infrastructure.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, commended the seamless collaboration between LASTMA and the Fire Service, praising their professionalism and speed in averting what could have been a catastrophic blaze.
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