The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has urged the Federal Government to clarify why Nigerians no longer receive direct benefits from the country’s oil and gas subsidies as they did previously.
Mohammed, emphasizing the need for transparency in the distribution of national resources, made this remark on Monday when the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, visited him ahead of the 2024 Conference for the National Council on Finance and Economic Development, which Bauchi state is hosting.
Mohammed stated that this clarification is important because Nigerians have not seen the benefits of their oil and gas resources since President Bola Tinubu’s administration took office.
“It is a miracle that we are one of the biggest oil-producing nations but we have not benefited for some time since you came on board.
“You have to explain that this is what you are going through. That is inclusion. And if you don’t say it, nobody will know. But, some of us know.
“We call this leadership and responsibility”, he stated.
Mohammed further stressed that the Federal Government must intensify efforts in both oil production and the allocation of resources to states, saying,“You have to make our oil and gas sector to produce. Not only to produce and sell but put it in our Treasury for distribution and sharing.
“You must provide financial services to us at subnational. Financial services that will help us to enhance our productivity, and also use the resources wisely. Because without us, there will be no Federal Government.”
Mohammed, while expressing his commitment to the federal government despite his criticisms, emphasized that “All we need is transparency and that people should be treated equally.”
Edun stated earlier that the visit was prompted by Bauchi State being selected as the host for the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development Conference.
In expressing gratitude to Mohammed for hosting the conference, he noted, “What goes on in this formal conference is very important because conversations will take place which would clarify things, build trust and confidence between individuals.
“Our understanding of each other’s situation, of each other’s financial and economic needs and even the resources and potential they possess and available, the skills, specialisation that is on the ground.”
Edun emphasized that comprehending the country’s resources at different levels, both individually and collectively, would enable it to reach its full potential.
