Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has described the removal of the petrol subsidy as a transformative blessing for state governments, enabling increased revenue allocations and accelerated development. Speaking on January 13, 2025, during an inspection of ongoing projects to mark the first anniversary of his second term, Uzodimma highlighted the significant benefits of the Federal Government’s policy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had announced the end of fuel subsidy payments during his inaugural speech in May 2023, citing the policy’s unsustainable impact on the economy. The move has since resulted in higher revenue disbursements to sub-national governments, according to Uzodimma.
“This policy has provided more funds for states to invest in socio-infrastructure and improve the ease of doing business,” Uzodimma stated. “It is a direct blessing, not a disguise, for sub-nationals. With more money coming to states, governments now have the opportunity and responsibility to demonstrate their capacity to deliver tangible results to citizens.”
Governor Uzodimma explained that the increased resources have allowed Imo State to embark on critical infrastructure projects, which he inspected as part of his government’s development agenda. He also called on state leaders across Nigeria to channel the additional funds toward impactful initiatives that address public needs.
The governor emphasized that the benefits of the fuel subsidy removal outweigh its initial challenges, pointing to improved socio-economic conditions, infrastructure development, and public services as key indicators of progress.
Uzodimma’s remarks resonate with earlier statements by President Tinubu, who defended the policy as essential to stabilizing Nigeria’s economy and redirecting resources to impactful sectors.
