*Proposes subsidised fuel scheme for transport operators, commuters

The Alakoso of Epe Kingdom and prominent traditional and community leader, Barrister Omodele Olatokunbo Ibrahim, has called for collective action at the local government level to cushion the economic hardship associated with the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

Ibrahim made the call during a special prayer session held at the Eid Praying Ground in Okebalogun, Epe, for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The prayer session, attended by Grand Imams representing the five Ibile divisions of Lagos State, was organised to seek divine guidance and pray for the success of President Tinubu and Dr. Hamzat in the upcoming elections.

Speaking at the gathering, the traditional leader advocated practical interventions to reduce the impact of rising transportation and food costs on residents, stressing that communities and local governments could play a significant role in cushioning the effects of the economic reforms.

According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents a painful phase of economic recovery which, while expected to contribute to economic stabilisation in the long term, has imposed significant short-term hardship on citizens.

“We need to work collectively as a people to reduce the pains resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy. We must all understand that we can help ourselves cushion the pains at the local government level,” he said.

Ibrahim described local government as a critical tier of government because of its proximity to the people and its role in addressing issues that directly affect residents’ daily lives.

He therefore proposed a partnership between local governments and microfinance institutions to establish a registered transportation scheme that would capture the details of commuters, commercial bus drivers and members of relevant transport unions.

“Under the proposed arrangement, registered beneficiaries would be issued identification cards enabling them to purchase fuel at a subsidised rate. We can get a partnership with microfinance institutions and create a transportation registered scheme where we get the data of all commuters, bus drivers and members of the National Transport Unions and issue them a card to buy fuel at a subsidised rate,” he said.

The Alakoso explained that reducing transportation costs could have a wider impact on the economy, particularly by helping to moderate the prices of food and other essential commodities.

He noted that transportation constitutes a significant component of the cost of moving agricultural produce and other goods from farms and production centres to markets and consumers.

Ibrahim consequently urged local government authorities, traditional institutions, transport unions, financial institutions and community leaders to explore innovative and sustainable interventions that could provide immediate relief to residents while complementing the broader economic reforms of the Federal Government.

He emphasised that addressing the challenges associated with fuel subsidy removal should be regarded as a collective responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among government, communities and the people.

The event was attended by Grand Chief Imams and Ulamas from the five administrative divisions of Lagos State, as well as religious, political and community leaders from across the state.