Wike defends subsidy removal, slams Atiku over u-turn on policy

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike defended the removal of fuel subsidies on Thursday, criticizing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for changing his position on the policy. Wike accused Atiku, whom he referred to as a "voodoo economist," of contradicting himself to appeal to voters. The minister questioned Atiku's ability to reintroduce fuel subsidies given the reforms in Nigeria's petroleum industry, including the commercialisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Wike argued that maintaining fuel subsidies would contradict the direction of the Petroleum Industry Act, potentially weakening investor confidence and encouraging inefficiency. He urged Atiku to explain how he would deploy the savings from subsidy removal. Wike defended President Bola Tinubu's subsidy removal policy, stating that the savings led to increased allocations to the three tiers of government and improved governments' ability to meet salary and pension obligations.

He dismissed claims of increased armed robbery in Abuja, stating that security reports did not support the allegation.