Fuel Subsidy Removal: We Can't Continue Being Father Christmas to Our Neighbours

President Bola Tinubu's meeting with traditional rulers on June 9, 2023 was his first official engagement with the custodians of culture and tradition since he assumed office on May 29, 2023. The meeting, which took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, was organised under the auspices of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), a body that comprises of prominent monarchs from all the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The meeting was aimed at fostering a cordial relationship between the presidency and the traditional institutions, as well as soliciting their support and cooperation for the success of Tinubu's administration. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the president to brief the royal fathers on some of his policy decisions and initiatives, such as the removal of fuel subsidy, the improvement of security, the creation of jobs, and the sustenance of the environment.

The meeting was attended by over 50 traditional rulers, led by the chairman of NCTRN, Sultan Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III of Sokoto and the co-chairman, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II of Ife. Other notable monarchs at the meeting included Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II of Kano, Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe of Onitsha, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I of Lagos, Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar, Tor Tiv James Ayatse, Gbong Gwom Jos Jacob Buba Gyang, Shehu of Borno Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, and Attah Igala Idakwo Ameh Oboni II.

The traditional rulers congratulated Tinubu on his election victory and pledged their loyalty and support for his leadership. They also expressed their confidence in his ability to steer the country to greater heights and overcome its numerous challenges. They commended him for conducting a peaceful and credible election that defied the predictions of doom by some pessimists. They also lauded him for his courage and wisdom in removing the fuel subsidy that had become a burden on the nation's economy.

The traditional rulers also highlighted some areas where they could collaborate with the president to enhance governance and development. They specifically mentioned security as a key area where they could offer their expertise and influence to help restore peace and stability in their domains. They urged Tinubu to make use of their vast knowledge and experience in dealing with security issues and to involve them more in decision-making processes. They also appealed to him to address other issues affecting their people, such as infrastructure, health care, education, agriculture, and youth empowerment.

Tinubu thanked the traditional rulers for their visit and assured them of his respect and recognition for their roles as custodians of culture and tradition. He said he was ready to listen to them at any time and promised them an open-door policy. He said he was aware of their expectations and aspirations and that he would do his best to meet them. He said he was determined to make Nigeria a better place for all its citizens.

Tinubu explained his decision to remove the fuel subsidy, saying it was necessary to save the country from economic collapse and to free up funds for other developmental projects. He said he could not continue to be a "Father Christmas" to neighbouring countries who were benefiting from Nigeria's subsidised fuel at the expense of Nigerians. He appealed to the traditional rulers to enlighten their subjects on the rationale behind the policy and to assure them that it would eventually lead to lower fuel prices.

Tinubu also spoke on his plans to improve security in the country, saying it was his top priority. He said he would recruit more security personnel, equip them with modern weapons and technology, and motivate them with better welfare packages. He said he would also work with regional and international partners to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes. He said he would not tolerate any threat to Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Tinubu also touched on other issues such as job creation, environmental protection, electoral reforms, constitutional amendments, anti-corruption fight, and national unity. He said he had a clear vision and roadmap for Nigeria's development and that he would unveil it soon. He said he was ready to work with anyone who shared his vision and passion for Nigeria. He said Nigeria must survive, develop, and make progress.

The meeting ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing their satisfaction and optimism. The traditional rulers presented Tinubu with a gift of a giant portrait of himself and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu. They also prayed for him and wished him a successful tenure. Tinubu thanked them for their gift and prayers and assured them of his respect and friendship. He said he looked forward to working with them for the benefit of Nigeria.