Subsidy Removal: National Economic Council backs Fertiliser distribution

The National Economic Council (NEC) has thrown its weight behind the planned distribution of grains and fertilizer to states by the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria to mitigate the impact of the removal of petrol subsidy on citizens.

The decision was part of resolutions reached on Thursday at the meeting of the Council chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House Executive Council Chambers, Abuja.

The decision was taken after a presentation by the NEC Adhoc Committee on cushioning the effect of petrol subsidy removal was made by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

Speaking after deliberations on the presentation, Sen. Shettima read the resolutions of the Council noting,“We will also pursue vigorously, the mass deployment of CNG-powered vehicles and establishment of autogas conversion plants/kits in all States in the short-term and deployment of electric buses and cars with charging infrastructure across the country.”

The meeting also resolved to support enhanced engagements between State Governors and the leadership of the labour unions across the States and proposed the provision of the cost-of-living allowances to be paid to civil servants in both the State and Federal Civil Services.

The Council agreed to support the Federal Government’s efforts to scale up infrastructure especially to give attention to fixing dilapidated highway roads across the country.

PIAK