SSA to Tinubu Defends Fuel Subsidy Removal at Arewa Media Summit, Says Savings Now Funding Roads, Healthcare and Student Loans.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
July 6, 2026.
KANO — Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization, Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, describing the policy as a bold but necessary economic reform designed to redirect public funds toward national development.
Speaking during the maiden Arewa Media Summit held in Kano, Abdulaziz said billions of naira previously expended on fuel subsidy are now being invested in critical sectors of the economy, including road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education, and student support initiatives.
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According to him, the subsidy regime had become unsustainable, consuming huge public resources that benefited only a few while limiting government’s capacity to finance meaningful development projects.
“The funds that were previously spent on subsidy are now being channeled into projects that directly benefit Nigerians through improved infrastructure, healthcare services and educational support,” he said.
He cited the ongoing expansion and rehabilitation of federal road networks, increased investment in healthcare facilities and intervention programmes, as well as the provision of soft loans for students to finance registration fees and pursue higher education as tangible benefits of the policy.
Abdulaziz described the removal of fuel subsidy as one of the landmark economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu’s administration, arguing that although the policy has imposed temporary hardship on citizens, it is expected to lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth, fiscal stability and improved public service delivery.
Delegates Express Concerns Over Rising Hardship
Despite the government’s explanation, the presidential aide encountered strong reactions from participants at the summit, particularly delegates from Northern Nigeria, many of whom argued that the removal of subsidy has significantly increased the cost of living.
Several participants lamented the sharp rise in transportation fares, food prices and the cost of essential services since the implementation of the policy.
Some delegates openly declared that fuel subsidy removal had “killed the North,” saying ordinary citizens continue to bear the brunt of inflation and declining purchasing power.
The comments reflected widespread concerns over economic hardship affecting households and small businesses across the region.
Responding to the criticisms, Abdulaziz acknowledged the difficulties being experienced by Nigerians but maintained that the reforms were necessary to rescue the country’s economy from years of unsustainable expenditure.
He appealed for patience, assuring participants that the administration remains committed to expanding social intervention programmes and ensuring that the benefits of the reforms become increasingly visible through improved infrastructure, employment opportunities and economic growth.
Earlier in his address, Abdulaziz urged journalists, media organizations and social media influencers to uphold professionalism by verifying information before publication.
He warned that the spread of misinformation and fake news has the potential to erode public confidence, deepen divisions and undermine national unity, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He stressed that responsible journalism remains essential to promoting informed public discourse and strengthening democratic governance.
Governor Yusuf Commends Summit.
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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who welcomed participants to the summit, commended the organizers and the Federal Government for selecting Kano as the venue for the inaugural gathering.
The governor described the media as a strategic partner in nation-building and called on journalists to continue promoting peace, unity and factual reporting across Northern Nigeria.
He highlighted achievements of the Kano State Government in education, healthcare, infrastructure and youth development, while encouraging stronger collaboration between government institutions and the media to showcase developmental initiatives and foster public trust.
Information Minister Reaffirms Government’s Commitment.
Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective public communication.
The minister defended the removal of fuel subsidy, insisting that the savings generated from the policy are being reinvested in strategic sectors such as roads, healthcare, education and student support programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
He further urged journalists, content creators and digital influencers to embrace fact-checking and ethical reporting in order to combat misinformation and promote national cohesion.
The maiden Arewa Media Summit concluded with divergent opinions among participants.
While representatives of the Federal Government maintained that the subsidy removal policy is already yielding positive developmental outcomes, many stakeholders from the North continued to demand greater transparency regarding the management of subsidy savings, as well as additional economic relief measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
Observers noted that the discussions reflected the ongoing national debate over one of the Tinubu administration’s most
significant economic reforms—a policy supporters believe will strengthen Nigeria’s long-term fiscal health, but which many citizens say continues to impose severe short-term economic challenges.
The summit ultimately served as a platform for robust engagement between government officials, media practitioners and Northern stakeholders on economic reforms, responsible journalism and the role of the media in fostering national development.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 7TH 2026)
