Fuel subsidy: FG, states yet to harmonise ahead June deadline

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said it had yet to harmonise efforts with states to set up palliative measures ahead of the June 2023 deadline for the discontinuation of petroleum subsidy.

However, it said the concerned committees would soon conclude discussions with key stakeholders as the administration wound down.

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, revealed this to State House correspondents shortly after this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

He noted that a committee led by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and the National Economic Council comprising state governors had been working to resolve the issue for over 12 months now.

Within that period, however, the committee has yet to harmonise.

Asked about the reasons for the delay, Agba explained that the situation required time as it had far-reaching consequences for the nation.

He said, “They want to ensure that everyone is carried along.”