Subsidy removal necessary to stabilise economy — Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary step to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

Speaking during the APC National Media Chat, Yilwatda said the decision, though difficult, was critical to building a sustainable economic framework capable of supporting a trillion-dollar economy.

“What has been done is to build an economy that can sustain a one trillion-dollar economy. These are tough decisions, but they are necessary for long-term stability,” he said.

He linked the policy to broader economic and infrastructure development efforts, particularly in northern Nigeria, noting that ongoing projects across the North-West are designed to stimulate trade, enhance connectivity, and unlock regional potential.

“These projects are aimed at developing not just the North-West or northern Nigeria, but also linking Nigeria to neighbouring landlocked countries. It is a major economic opportunity,” he stated.

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On party politics, Yilwatda reiterated that there would be no automatic tickets for aspirants within the APC, stressing that all candidates must emerge through constitutional processes.

“There is no provision in the party constitution or the Electoral Act for automatic tickets. Everyone must go through either direct primaries or consensus,” he said.

He explained that the party’s internal democratic mechanisms ensure fairness, adding that consensus arrangements require the full agreement of all aspirants, failing which direct primaries would be adopted.

“The era of imposing candidates is gone. The constitution and party guidelines are clear, and all members have equal opportunity,” he added.

Yilwatda also addressed security challenges across the country, acknowledging that while threats persist, the government has made measurable progress in tackling insecurity.

“We must separate facts from fiction and avoid politicising insecurity. This is a collective responsibility,” he said, urging political leaders to support national security efforts rather than exploit them for partisan gains.

He noted that recent actions against criminal elements, including arrests and prosecutions, demonstrate a renewed commitment to accountability, while also highlighting the importance of targeting the financing of terrorism.

The APC chairman further advocated structural reforms, including the establishment of state policing, arguing that Nigeria’s current security architecture is overstretched.

“For the first time, we are seeing serious conversations around state police. The current system cannot adequately cover a country of this size,” he said.

On power supply, Yilwatda pointed to increasing investments in off-grid electricity solutions, particularly solar-powered systems in institutions and rural communities, as a pragmatic approach to improving energy access.

“Many institutions are now running fully on solar and off-grid systems. It is faster and more cost-effective than expanding the national grid in some cases,” he explained.

He maintained that the combination of economic reforms, infrastructure development, and institutional changes under the current administration is aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth, urging citizens to remain patient as the policies take effect.