Fuel subsidy removal is causing us pain, frustration - Nigerian president Tinubu told

Nigeria's senior citizens under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) have decried the state of the economy and the hardship faced following the removal of the fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking at a meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the retirees say the removal of the subsidy has occasioned pains and frustration.

NUP’s national president, Godwin Abumisi who spoke on behalf of the retirees urged the government to provide a solution to their suffering.

“Without mincing words, the subsidy removal has brought with it pains, frustration and hardship to average Nigerians, including the pensioners,” said Mr Abumisi.

He added, “In the light of this, we wish to use this occasion to passionately appeal to both the Federal, State and Local Governments to do something very fast to assuage the pains of our members and other vulnerable Nigerians.”

Mr Abumisi said this at the opening of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union.

He also called on the federal government to fulfill its promise to include pensioners in the N25,000 cash award announced to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.

Mr Abumisi said the union’s leadership has met with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.

“We demanded the inclusion of pensioners in the N25,000 cash award announced by the federal government,” Mr Abumisi said.

The Ondo State chairman of the NUP, Johnson Osunyemi, who lauded Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for paying all pension arrears, said retirees still grapple with unpaid gratuities.

“Incidentally, and sadly too, his promises to ease the problems of pensioners are being encumbered by ill-health. As a parting request by the host council to our guests, we appeal to you to kindly join us in praying for the quick recovery of our kind and God-fearing Governor,” he said.