Northern youths threaten mass action over planned fuel subsidy removal

By: Umar Abdulrahmon 

A group, The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, has warned against the Federal Government’s planned removal of fuel subsidy in the country, threatening that such a move would be resisted.

While expressing their opposition to the proposed fuel subsidy removal, they raised concern over the potential impact of such a move on the “already struggling economy and the Nigerian people.”

The Council President, Isa Abubakar, who stated this in a statement in Kaduna on Thursday, also expressed fears that any palliative measures put in place to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal would be looted by corrupt individuals, just like the COVID-19 intervention funds.

Consequently, the group called on the Nigerian government to reconsider its decision to remove the subsidy, arguing that it would only lead to an increase in the cost of living for the average Nigerian, who is already struggling to make ends meet.

They also urged the government to focus on implementing policies that would create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

“We cannot afford to have another round of hardship inflicted on the Nigerian people, especially the youth who are already grappling with high unemployment rates and a lack of opportunities,” he said.

He warned that there would be severe political consequences on those who are conspiring to throw Nigerians into avoidable crisis.

“They should look at how some powerful governors were humiliated in the recently concluded election and understand that power now rests on the thumbs of Nigerians. Nigerians won’t forget.

“The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria vowed to resist any attempt to remove the fuel subsidy and called on other youth organisations across the country to join in the fight to protect the interests of the Nigerian people,” he added.