The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has called on the Federal Government to explain why Nigerians ceased to directly enjoy the country’s oil and gas subsidies as it was before.
Mohammed, who insisted that the Federal Government must be transparent in its distribution of the country’s resources made the statement on Monday, when the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, paid a courtesy call on him ahead of the 2024 Conference for the National Council on Finance and Economic Development Bauchi state is hosting.
According to Mohammed, the explanation is necessary because Nigerians have not benefited from their oil and gas resources since the administration of President Bola Tinubu came into power.
“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.
Speaking further, Mohammed emphasised that the Federal Government must double the effort in oil production and resources distribution to states stating, “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 who affirmed his loyalty to the FG, despite his criticism, insisted that “All we need is transparency and that people should be treated equally.”
Speaking earlier, Edun explained that the visit was a result of Bauchi State being the host state of the 2024 Conference for the National Council on Finance and Economic Development.
While appreciating Mohammed for hosting the conference, he hinted, “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 maintained further that the understanding of what the country has at various levels, individually and collectively would allow it to fulfil its potential.