Tinubu rules out fuel subsidy return, promises farmers interest-free loans

President Bola Tinubu has ruled out any return of the petrol subsidy, insisting that his administration will sustain its removal and channel the savings into agriculture, education and infrastructure.

Tinubu said Nigerians should disregard claims that the Federal Government was considering restoring the subsidy, describing such reports as false.
The President spoke on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Dutse, Jigawa State, where he presented the party’s manifesto and economic development agenda.

“To those who say subsidy is coming back, it’s a lie. Don’t let them lie to you again. It’s not going to come back,” he declared.
He argued that returning to the subsidy regime would undermine Nigeria’s long-term development and jeopardise the future of younger generations.
Instead, Tinubu said his administration would invest the resources saved from subsidy removal in critical sectors to improve living conditions and stimulate economic growth.

As part of the proposed agricultural interventions, the President announced plans to provide interest-free loans to smallholder farmers and establish mechanised farming service centres across the six geopolitical zones.
He said the initiatives would boost agricultural production, improve food security and reduce food prices.

“We have to invest in agriculture. There will be interest-free loans for farmers. Prosperity is coming. Food security will happen,” he assured.
On security, Tinubu pledged to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, urging Nigerians to support security agencies with useful information about suspicious movements and activities.

“We are working hard to ensure that Nigeria is safe. We will conquer insecurity. We will defeat the enemies of unity, stability and hope,” he said.
The President also said the Federal Government had strengthened security agencies through improved welfare packages and better remuneration for personnel.

On education, he disclosed that funds recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from corruption-related cases would be channelled into the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
Describing the student loan initiative as a tool for reducing poverty and widening access to higher education, Tinubu said, “NELFUND is our weapon against poverty.”

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to human capital development, adding that plans were underway to improve electricity supply, expand opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises, create jobs and equip young Nigerians with relevant skills.

Tinubu also praised Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi for his administration's development projects, urging residents to support his re-election bid.
“I have been here a number of years. I have never seen so much progress. This man has worked tirelessly for all of us,” he said.

The rally attracted APC supporters from across the state and provided the platform for the President to formally present the party's manifesto and outline its economic development priorities.