Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, Dare, defended the president’s recent reforms, which ended the longstanding fuel subsidy and floated Nigeria’s currency, despite the resulting price hikes and economic challenges. Speaking on Thursday, Dare noted that the subsidy had been draining national resources for decades, benefitting a few individuals at the expense of millions. He acknowledged that while previous presidents had vowed to remove the subsidy, none followed through until Tinubu.

Since the subsidy removal, fuel prices have surged from around N200 per litre to over N1,000, straining many Nigerians who depend on fuel for transportation, home power, and business operations. Dare insists, however, that the president remains committed to addressing the economic fallout and fulfilling his promises to the nation.

“Tinubu is a leader who works tirelessly, often burning the midnight oil when others rest,” Dare noted, reflecting on his own experience working closely with Tinubu for seven years. He described Tinubu’s subsidy removal and currency reform as “audacious” decisions, saying the president took the “road less traveled” to tackle systemic issues head-on.

Public discontent has led to protests in August and October, urging the president to reconsider these tough economic policies. Despite the criticism, Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain patient, reassuring them that these challenging reforms will ultimately lead to a more stable and prosperous economy.