Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State says the committee set up by the National Economic Council (NEC) to recommend the mode of distribution of palliatives for subsidy removal would work for the collective interests of all Nigerians.
The governor who is the representative of the North-East subregion in the committee made the commitment while interacting with reporters in Bauchi.
Mohammed said members of the committee under the leadership of Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasiru Idris remained resolute in recommending fair modalities for judicious distribution of palliatives to all sectors affected by the subsidy removal regardless of political party differences.
“Both opposition and the ruling APC governors understood that the move by the federal government was a step in the right direction and therefore assured that the process would not be politicised,” he said.
According to him, the NEC and representatives of trade and labour unions have acknowledged the fact the subsidy removal which has advantages and challenges, subjected Nigerians especially the common citizens to untold hardships, hence the move to alleviate the suffering.
“Government and the organised labour understand that the move has brought about benefit and challenges that was why right steps are being taken in that direction,” the governor added.
On areas that need urgent government intervention, Governor Bala Mohammed highlighted that the committee would recommend increase of salaries of workers, procurement of shuttle buses in large numbers as well as introduction of various intervention programmes across the country using the revenue generated from the subsidy removal.
He noted that their report would be presented to the National Executive Council in two weeks for further deliberations and subsequent ratification.
He called on Nigerians to be patient on the present situation, hoping that life would be meaningful when the federal government implements the committee’s recommendations accordingly.
