Transcript Of Goodluck Jonathan’s Speech On The Removal Of Fuel Subsidy: No Going Back

By
Information Nigeria
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This is a transcript of  the speech which President Goodluck Jonathan gave by 9 PM today.

Dear Compatriots: 1.     A week ago, I had cause to address Nigerians on the security challenges we are facing in parts of the country, which necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas in four states of the Federation. That course of action attracted widespread support and a demonstration of understanding. With that declaration, government had again signaled its intention to combat terrorism with renewed vigour and to assure every Nigerian of safety.

2.    The support that we have received in the fight against terrorism from concerned Nigerians at home and abroad has been remarkable. We believe that it is with such continued support that progress can be made on national issues. Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has expressed a commitment to support us as we strive to improve on the country’s security situation, and build a stronger foundation for the future.  The recent mindless acts of violence in Gombe, Potiskum, Jimeta-Yola and Mubi are unfortunate. I urge all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and acrimony and live together in harmony and peace. Wherever there is any threat to public peace, our security agencies will enforce the law, without fear or favour.

3.    This evening, I address you, again, with much concern over an issue that borders on the national economy, the oil industry and national progress.  As part of our efforts to transform the economy and guarantee prosperity for all Nigerians, Government, a few days ago, announced further deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. The immediate effect of this has been the removal of the subsidy on petrol.

4.    Since the announcement, there have been mixed reactions to the policy. Let me seize this opportunity to assure all Nigerians that I feel the pain that you all feel.  I personally feel pained to see the sharp increase in transport fares and the prices of goods and services. I share the anguish of all persons who had travelled out of their stations, who had to pay more on the return leg of their journeys.

5.    If I were not here to lead the process of national renewal, if I were in your shoes at this moment, I probably would have reacted in the same manner as some of our compatriots, or hold the same critical views about government.  But I need to use this opportunity as your President to address Nigerians on the realities on the ground, and why we chose to act as we did. I know that these are not easy times. But tough choices have to be made to safeguard the economy and our collective survival as a nation.

6.     My fellow Nigerians, the truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices with regard to the management of the downstream petroleum sector: either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences.

7.    As you all know, the subject of deregulation is not new, we have been grappling with it for more than two decades. Previous administrations tinkered with the pump price of petroleum products, and were unable to effect complete deregulation of the downstream sector. This approach has not worked.  If it did, we would not be here talking about deregulation today. I understand fully well that deregulation is not a magic formula that will address every economic challenge, but it provides a good entry point for transforming the economy, and for ensuring transparency and competitiveness in the oil industry, which is the mainstay of our economy.

8.    As a President, elected and supported by ordinary Nigerians, and the vast majority of our people, I have a duty to bring up policies and programmes that will grow the economy and bring about greater benefits for the people.  Let me assure you that as your President, I have no intention to inflict pain on Nigerians.

9.     The deregulation of the petroleum sector is a necessary step that we had to take. Should we continue to do things the same way, and face more serious economic challenges? Or deregulate, endure the initial discomfort and reap better benefits later? I want to assure every Nigerian that whatever pain you may feel at the moment, will be temporary.

10.    The interest of the ordinary people of this country will always remain topmost in my priorities as a leader. I remain passionately committed to achieving significant and enduring improvements in our economy that will lead to sustained improvement in the lives of our people.

11.    I am determined to leave behind a better Nigeria, which we all can be proud of. To do so, I must make sure that we have the resources and the means to grow our economy to be resilient, and to sustain improved livelihood for our people. We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow.  On assumption of office as President, I swore to an oath to always act in the best interest of the people. I remain faithful to that undertaking.

12.     To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices.  On the part of Government, we are taking several measures aimed at cutting the size and cost of governance, including on-going and continuous effort to reduce the size of our recurrent expenditure and increase capital spending. In this regard, I have directed that overseas travels by all political office holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved.

13.    For the year 2012, the basic salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm of government will be reduced by 25%. Government is also currently reviewing the number of committees, commissions and parastatals with overlapping responsibilities. The Report on this will be submitted shortly and the recommendations will be promptly implemented. In the meantime, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must reduce their overhead expenses.

14.    We are all greatly concerned about the issue of corruption. The deregulation policy is the strongest measure to tackle this challenge in the downstream sector. In addition, government is taking other steps to further sanitize the oil industry.

15.    To ensure that the funds from petroleum subsidy removal are spent prudently on projects that will build a greater Nigeria, I have established a committee to oversee the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme. I sincerely believe that the reinvestment of the petroleum subsidy funds, to ensure improvement in national infrastructure, power supply, transportation, irrigation and agriculture, education, healthcare, and other social services, is in the best interest of our people.

16.    Fellow Nigerians, I know that the removal of the petroleum subsidy imposes an initial burden on our people, especially the rising cost of transportation.  Government will be vigilant and act decisively to curb the excesses of those that want to exploit the current situation for selfish gains.  I plead for the understanding of all Nigerians.  I appeal to our youth not to allow mischief-makers to exploit present circumstances to mislead or incite them to disturb public peace.

17.     To address the immediate challenges that have been identified, I have directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to embark immediately on all projects, which have been designed to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal in the short, medium and long-term, as outlined in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Document.

18.     Tomorrow, 8th January, I will formally launch a robust mass transit intervention programme to bring down the cost of transportation across the country. The programme will be implemented in partnership with state and local governments, labour unions, transport owners, and banking institutions, and supported with the provision of funding at zero interest rate as well as import duty waiver on all needed parts for locally-made mass transit vehicles, which will create additional jobs in the economy.

19.    We will keep these incentives in place for as long as it takes. I want to assure you that Government will not rest until we bring down the cost of transportation for our people.  Let me thank the transporters’ associations that have agreed to reduce transport fares. I have directed the Minister of Labour and Productivity to work with these associations to come up with a sustainable plan to guarantee this within the shortest possible time.

20.     In addition, I have ordered the mobilization of contractors for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt –Maiduguri Railway Line and the completion of the Lagos-Kano Railway Line. I have also directed the immediate commencement of a Public Works programme that will engage the services of about 10, 000 youths in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This will create an additional 370, 000 jobs.

21.    Government has taken these decisions in the best interest of our economy, so that we not only have benefits today, but to ensure that we bequeath even greater benefits to our children and grandchildren.

22.     Let me assure Nigerians that every possible effort will be made to ensure that we march forward, with a collective resolve to build a Nigeria that can generate greater economic growth, create and sustain new jobs, and secure the future of our children.

23.     This Administration will aggressively implement its programme to reposition and strengthen our economy, while paying adequate attention to the immediate needs of our citizens.

24.     I assure you all that we will work towards achieving full domestic refining of petroleum products with the attendant benefits.

25.     As I ask for the full understanding of all Nigerians, I also promise that I will keep my word.

26.    Thank you. May God bless you; and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
January 7, 2012

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30 COMMENTS

  1. Na person write dis tin ooh no be him tlk am… he his just trying to convince us all if transportation reduce eventually what happens to food stuffs? and how can that work when the govt still collect money through Agbaro from the bus drivers. even as the salary is reduced what happens to the Allowance? and are you increasing the 18K salary assigned to cope with this rubbish! even the 18k has not been accepted in sum states and what has he done about that? all this is bullshit in your plans to bring back train as a means of transport when your refinary is not working! why dont you cut down the allowance given to all govt officialls and use that money as well as other funds to get the refinaries working? all this is bullshit!!! who wrote this article for u???

  2. 1. ) That is my president……………….
    I know he will not fail and I know he has high level of humanity…………
    He had spoken well………………..
    Let us just pray for him so that GOD will give him the strenght to do what he had said………………
    GOD bless you Mr President………

    2.) Lest i forgot, the boko haram…. They need to be errase. They are animals

  5. Let us sacrifice a little and enjoy more! I believe this is for the good of the Nation just that people were not well informed. Do we rather the Nation loses huge money ti some corrupt Oil producers in the name of SUBSIDY? Lets adjust a little because the benefits of this subsidy removal will put smiles on our faces! My President, please check corruption with this development so that the poor will not be so marginalized! long Live Federal Rep of NIgeria!

  6. I support removal of fuel subsidy but only the process or method i could say is wrong.Because we, most especially i especting mr president to repair local refinaries before the removal of fuel subsidy so that such capital will be use in another sectors even the cost of fuel may not cost too much.Sir try your best may God help you.

  7. I’m not a fool! The same reduction of political office holders’ allowances was made during Yaradua but were refunded to them in arrears secretly. Foreign trips by Governors and their wives, Ministers and their wives, President and his wife, are initiated and done without the consent of Nigerians. And they always claim that any trip they’ve taken to foreign countries have impact on the people of Nigeria. Therefore, in this case Nigerians cannot identify important trips out of all their trips. On the issue of sacrifice is better for all of us to understand that Nigerians cannot sacrifice for the betterment of other countries which take advantage of the weakness and unpatriotism of our leadership in imposing their economic leverage to build their economies in the distress of ours. GOODLUCK MUST BE IMPEACHED HE IS A GREAT DISASTER TO NIGERIANS.

  8. For me (Jonathan) his doing the right thing to transform our economy we (nigerians) just have to be a little bit patiant “because nothing that is worthwhile can ever be achieve without criticism or controversy” I also urge mr president to keep to is declaration about the transpotation fare and mass transit programme. and lastly i urge all nigerians be you a christian or a muslem to pray to GOD almighty to deliver us from “boko haram” God bless nigeria

  10. Bunch of crap being fed to us,even senators in Nigeria earn more than president obama,they are all liars they feed on our resources and tax payers money,they’ve never had any good intentions for us all we hear is speech we dont see anything being done,all goodluck wants is a reason why he failed cos he is definately going to fail subsidy or no subsidy.The revenue we generate isnt it themselves they spend it on,they only want more money for themselves,communication can b cheaper in this nation if there was constant power supply and no corrupt leaders.May God bless Nigeria

  11. GEJ when would your government stop feeding us bullocks!!!? We all know that removal of fuel subsidy would and has evidently increased the cost of living for Nigerians. Why bullshit us about reduction transportation costs? Are you planning to subsidize it? how about food, basic necessaries, generator, education, for the average nigerian amongst others? Its only elementary to place the cart before the horse!. Nigerians were already struggling, you just multiplied their pains unjustly and you are there in comfort telling us you feel our pain. I wonder who even wrote your speech…gone are the days of ignorance GEJ!!! We can see right through your vain speech. I do not support your action.

  12. In real sense,i believ dis is an era 4 deep reasoning n time 2 run closer n pray 2 GOD 2 help us al cos going by GEJ ‘s speech,his intentions are okay,just dat,nigerians were nt wel informed about d deregulation of a thing n secondly,we should remember its an human being(dat can fail)that has spoken! Lets pray 4 GOD 2 work wif him and if dis programme wont favour nigerians it shud fail,bt succeed if its a blessing in disguise 4 us!
    God Bless Dear Nation NIGERIA…!!!(Amen)

  13. Every 1 knows dat subsidy removal is a good call 2 eradicate corruption in d downstream oil sector.But if G.E.J is sincere enough he should hv tackled d issue of power 1st,bcos d industries needs it more dan any tin 4 d production of goods.So Mr president hw do u intend 2 solve dat issue or should d already poor civilians(all of us) die b4 we begin 2 see d benefits of d removal.Were a common Man cannot buy Garri(70/cup) 4 mkt or a bag of pure H2o(160) 2 drink.Tell me who will enjoy it then wen every tin would hv eventually corrapsed.We all know you hv a good hrt and intensions 4 Nigerians, but u hv 2 admit it’s wrong timing 4 such an important call. So i will advice u,2 use all dose funds gotten 4rm d salaries of dose gov. Parastatals u hv cutted 2 revitalized our power sector dis 2012.Then by 2013 u can remove d subsidy,den u would hv given ur people a choice;;dose who cant buy fuel would 4get buyin car.Sincerely speakin there is no need 4 d rush.We’ve been like dis 4 more dan 2 Decades. May God Bless Nigeria

  14. Uhmm! Can you just imagin, who is fooling who,GEJ is to commission buses to reduce the stress of transportation. How many buses will he commissioned is a million buses or what. Buses that can not even be enough for lagosians alone let alone other states. Not today we’ve been heard a convincing speech,your writters are first class consolidator and your believe is that Nigerians are adaptive citizen they will soon adapt. But this time we wount. We want changes,positive changes but not this. We agreed you that the oil sector is corrupted and it has to be stoped but this not the best measure. While cant you fish out the corrupted ones and sack them,then replace them with others, withdraw the oil liscence from the so called cabal and reduce the allawances of the government officers by 40 perscent with a transparent implentation. Then come out to Nigerians with your plan and see our reactions. We’ve lost our trust in you, no going back.

  15. THE TRUTH IS THAT PRESIDENT BADLUCK JONATHAN HAS FAILED AND BETRAY HIS PEOPLE. BUT ON THE OTHER GRAND THE NLC AND HIS GROUP SHOULD STOP THE STRIKE ACTION BECOS IT IS ME AND YOU IT WILL AFFECT.WE DO NOT HAVE MONEY WITH US,WE NEED TO CLOSE DEAL THIS WEEK AND GET MONEY,BUT FOR THE NLC AND HIS GROUP THEY HAVE KEEP MONEY FOR THEM AND THEIR FAMILY AT HOME. THEIR CHILDREN WILL NOT BE IN THE STREET, EVEN THE NLC PRESIDENT IS ALSO A CRIMINAL SO HE SHOULD NOT USE THE STRIKE ACTION TO SUFFER US,THERE CAN BE PEACEFUL PROTECT, NOT GOING TO STRIKE.

    LOOK WE NIGERIANS MUST OPEN OUR EYES BECOS ALL THESE PEOPLE UP THERE ARE THIEF’S.

    THIS IS JANUARY WHY EMBARKING ON STRIKE,WE HAVE SPENT SO MUCH DURING THE DECEMBER WE NEED TO WORK MONEY NOW TO TAKECARE OF OUR FAMILY.

    IF THE NLC IS SAYING IT IS TOO EARLY TO REMOVE SUBSIDY WHICH WE AL KNOW IT IS NOT GOOD AND OKAY, WHY DIDNT THEY KNOW THAT IT IS TOO EARLY TO GO ON STRIKE? SO BOTH THE PRESIDENT AND THE NLC ARE ALL SELFISH AND CRIMINALS.

    MY FELLOW NIGERIANS WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW THOSE PEOPLE UP THERE TO BE FOOLING US,FG,PRESIDENT,NLC TUC,AND HIS GROUP ARE ALL ONE,SO WHY PUTTING US INTO HUNGER.

    WE ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THE EARLY SUBSIDY REMOVAL, BUT WE ALL SHOULD SAY KNOW TO THEIR STRIKE ACTION,WE DO NOT WANT THE STRIKE ACTION TO TAKE PLACE IT IS FOR THEIR SELFISH ACT,THEY SHOULD NOT DISTURB ARE DAILY ACTIVITIES ,WORKING ACTIVITIES AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES,THE NLC WANTS TO GIVE US MORE HUNGER.

    THE NLC,TUC AND CO. ARE THEY GOING TO PROVIDE FOOD FOR WE AND OUR FAMILY DURING THE PERIOD OF THIS STRIKE?

    MY BROTHER AND SISTERS NIGERIAN PLEASE LETS THINK WELL AND SEE ALL THESE PEOPLE UP THERE AS ONE,DECEIVING US WITH THEIR SELFISH ACT.

    WE SAY NO TO THE STRIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  18. To all my fellow Nigerians, please say no to stick because what had happen has happen, NLC knows about this since but they keep silent waiting for the announcement of it, now they want to use us to shine, mr president we will be more happy if you promise us one thing after one year, eg 24hours electricity only that is what I wish in Nigeria, may GOD guide you because something you get confuse.

  19. D country is in a precarious state n our collective effort shuldnt b given 2 dis strike. Y go on strike n ignore d current state of d country’s security. This is goin 2 compound d issue at stake. I pray sum of u survive d insurgence dat wuld occur 2mao. Dnt blame d police or army. A word is enough 4 d wise. Mr. President, kudos. Dnt listen 2 any1. If wat u want 2 do wuld b 4 our own gud, we got ur back. So ride on n take us 2 dat height we need.

  20. We all re reasoning wel. Bt i’m beginning to get a deeper understanding of what jonathan wants to do. I.e tackling corruption in the down streem sector. I’ve also noticed that those that are pepetrating this corruption are vehemently opposing him because it will spoil show for them. Let’s give this man a chance to prove himself atleast for once! The insecurity caused by boko haram group is enough distraction to this govt. Nigerians, we should give this man a period of time to carry out this policy it will profit us in the future. Bible says that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. I believe there is a better tomorrow. When we fight we kill ourselve not them. So in all aspect we are losing. Lets give him this last chance to implement this policy so that we will start production here in our country. Atleast he has started the steps towards the implementation of his words. Lets exercise a little patience. I know he has his faults! But something good can still come out of Nasarath. Long live NIGERIA

  21. my fellow Nigerians,they deregulated the diesel and till now they have not told us what the money that has been coming out from that stuff is been use for,secondly am not against the removal of the subsidy,all am saying is that its not the first step in getting rid of corruption,GOODLUCK OR BADLUCK need to understand that from the backdrop of his antecedence that he has really not offer anything meaningful to this country and also from the backdrop of “PASSES PRESIDENTS” that they can not be trusted by mere WORDS so he need to build trust within the country first before he sell this seemingly bogus IDEA to us right now.
    fellow nigerians, we all know that we sell crude oil and then import fuel as a “GOVERNMENT” that we calm to be subsidizing,thats to say diesel,aviation fuel,propene and other product we get from crude we will still be importing so why not build more refineries thats assuming that “REHABILITATION OF OTHER REFINERIES WERE REALLY DONE” then this so called CARTEL will only export to other country because there will be enough fuel here in the country to go run,like south africa they are generating more than enough electricity they can consume then sell the rest so the is no way a cartel will hued the current(voltage) so we or the GOVERNMENT NEED TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT U CALL ONLY BREAK THIS SO CALL CARTEL WHEN THE GOVERNMENT OWNED REFINERIES PRODUCES MORE THAN WHAT THE COUNTRY IS CONSUMING THAT THE CARTEL WILL RUN OUT OF MARKET…….SIMPLE.nothing concrete on ground and u want to remove subsidy like diesel that even with the so call deregulation the CARTEL STILL OPERATES IN THAT SECTOR OF THE ECONOMIC……THEY SHOULD STOP DECEIVING US.let all the refineries start working and producing optimally and you will see that this CARTEL will leave us alone not by removing subsidy …….THANK U NIGERIANS FOR ALLOWING ME AIR MY OPINION ………….

  22. Goodluck, your speech writers suck. Your message lacks compassion for nigerian masses. You still havent told nigerians the one real thing you want to use the accruals from the proceeds of this fuel subsidy removal. dont tell us about committees. it was a committe like this that brought SAP. As far as nigerians are concerned, these committees are more adept at stealing than the whole government combined. dont tell us about busses. we hv cars, we just need to be able to fuel them. dont tell us jackshit!

  26. May the Blessed Virgin Mary pray for you Mr. President for the grace you need to carry out all that you have said, and also to do all for the Love of GOD and Man.
    The LORD is your strenght Mr. President, but also put the ASUU strike and BOKO into considration.

  27. Mr president has spoken well I believe. I also sense in those
    Words a desire to make things work for us all. I have a few convictions.
    1. I believe subsidy removal is the right course of action and is in the nations best interest. 2. That it will even bring respect for our country from our border neighbours. Already cameroun is feeling the heat and is cooperating and has helped uncover a boko haram hide out.
    3. That mr president is doing as much as he can to keep things moving in the right direction.
    4. I also feel I should say mr president should do all in his power to fulfil the promises he just made. If he will do the words he just spoke we will be the better for it.
    5. I will continue to pray and support mr president because that is still the smartest thing to do.
    6. One advice sir, you must tackle corruption and carry the youth along and develop them.
    Thank you.

  28. Dis Gej na dull zoologst o,wo e wan brain wash?u don fail nd u don fail be dat,bt remenbr 1 tin no mata wat u did 1 day u must face d panel of d grave,corupt man,if nt whc presidnt u don hear say e open ofice 4 his wife? Abeg pple make wuna c me c wahala o,hw we go dy pay person becus she mary our presidnt?y yaradua no open ofice 4 his wife?wetin minister of woman afairs dy do? Kai GOD go judge,

  29. …Mr president sir. hw do we belv ur sayn cos ur word 2ru 2011 i.e 24hrs electricity we’v seen nting abt it.
    … pls oga, consida us n also c 2 ASUU cos Nigeria student cant wait 2 resume 4 academy carrier.
    …Abeg oh abeg oh we dey beg ooooh