President Goodluck addresses Nigerians fuel subsidy removal in a nationwide broadcast
By Shout-Africa.com Nigeria Correspondent Chinyere Ogbonna – President Goodluck Jonathan has addressed Nigerians on the removal of subsidy on petrol which has led to sharp increases in the prices of goods and services in the country.
Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan
Doctor Jonathan told the nation in a nationwide broadcast that he also feels the pain most Nigerians feel and had to deregulate the downstream oil sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.
President Jonathan also announced a couple of steps to reduce the size of recurrent expenditure. He also announced a 25% cut in the salaries of executive political office holders. President Jonathan overseas trips for all political office holders be reduced to the barest minimum. Doctor Jonathan also assured Nigerians that the reinvestment of the subsidy funds will ensure improvement in national infrastructure, education, healthcare and other services.
He specifically mentioned that transportation costs will be reduced with the launch of a mass transit intervention program slated to be inaugurated today, while massive construction of roads, rails will commence soon.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC says it will go ahead with proposed industrial action.
