Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has opposed President Muhammadu Buhari’s planned increase of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N302 per litre.
The former head of State warned that the increase in fuel price would push more Nigerians into poverty.
On January 19, 2022, it was reported that the Nigerian government may increase the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, to N302 per litre in February 2022 as part of the recommendations of the National Economic Council (NEC).
Speaking at the 19th Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja, the former Head of State warned against such move, and counselled the federal government to abandon the idea
Commenting on the development, Abubakar said: “The expected fuel price increment will push more Nigerians into poverty.
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“Over 80 million Nigerians are still cut off by poverty. Nigeria faces a food crisis worsened by the global COVID-19 pandemic.”
On the 2023 presidential election, the former head of state said regardless of the demands for zoning and challenges, Nigerians should unite and work together.
“Note that for the first time, southern governors are taking on their northern counterparts, each demanding the presidency to their regions,” he said.
“This election year calls for statesmanship and partnership to pull Nigeria out of the woods. Let us all remember that despite all the challenges and threats, Nigeria remains one. Our unity and large population are assets and strength.”
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 2019 Poverty & Inequality in Nigeria, 82.9 million Nigerians are living in poverty.
