FG plans to allocate subsidy savings to improve power supply: Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced that the over N1 trillion expected to be saved from the removal of electricity subsidy will be redirected towards improving power supply and bolstering social services across the nation.
Idris made these remarks during his appearance on the popular Hausa audience participatory program, “Hannu Da Yawa,” on Radio Nigeria Kaduna, on Saturday.
He highlighted that the current electricity subsidy disproportionately benefits only about 15% of consumers, mainly affluent individuals and industrial clusters, who receive approximately 20 hours of electricity. The Minister stressed that redirecting these funds is crucial to ensure fair distribution and better service delivery.
“It is imperative to underscore that the savings from the removal of electricity subsidy will be reinvested in enhancing power supply nationwide and strengthening critical social services like healthcare and education,” he stated.
Idris emphasized:
that under the new electricity supply regime, 85% of the population will still benefit from subsidies tailored to different consumer categories.
Furthermore, he noted that the recently enacted Electricity Act, signed by President Tinubu, has empowered the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to impose stringent penalties on electricity distribution companies for billing irregularities and inadequate service provision to consumers, thereby enhancing governance in the sector.
Addressing post-fuel subsidy intervention initiatives, Idris affirmed that the procurement of N100 billion worth of CNG buses remains on course, emphasizing that these buses are custom-made rather than off-the-shelf purchases.
The Minister disclosed plans for the imminent launch of CNG conversion centers nationwide to encourage Nigerians to transition their vehicles from petrol to CNG, thereby reducing transportation costs.
Furthermore, Idris revealed that the Presidential Committee tasked with reviewing the operational framework of the National Social Investment Programme has submitted its findings. This will facilitate the resumption of programs such as the N25,000 Conditional Cash Transfers to 15 million impoverished households for three months, among other interventions.
Dispelling rumors of bias within the Tinubu Administration, Idris emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in northern development projects.
Regarding agriculture, the Minister highlighted the expansion of wheat, rice, cassava, and maize cultivation under the Dry Season Farming Initiative across approximately 500,000 hectares of farmland. He shared insights from recent engagements with farmers in Dutse, Auyo, and Hadejia, underscoring the success of dry season farming in those regions.
Idris expressed satisfaction with Kebbi State’s emergence as a leading hub for tomato farming and processing, attributing this achievement to collaboration with GB Foods, a prominent food processing company. He noted the significant involvement of women farmers in tomato cultivation in Kebbi State, facilitated by supportive measures and the commitment of GB Foods to Nigerian business endeavors.
