During a meeting with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) at Aso Rock on Friday, President Bola Tinubu conveyed that Nigeria cannot persist in its role as a generous benefactor to neighboring countries through the pretext of subsidizing premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The President acknowledged that his administration made the correct choice in eliminating the petrol subsidy. He characterized the subsidy as a burdensome issue that could have severely impacted the country's financial stability, particularly considering its struggle to meet salary obligations.

He emphasized that Nigeria should refrain from assuming the role of a generous benefactor to neighboring countries by supplying them with subsidized petrol.

Tinubu expressed, as quoted by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the villa's director of information, "I appreciate your attention to my actions. You have taken note of the subsidy removal. It doesn't make sense for us, in all fairness and rationality, to support smugglers and act as benevolent figures to neighboring countries, even if they acknowledge that not every day is Christmas. The subsidy was the looming threat that could have crippled Nigeria. We cannot pay salaries while claiming to have the potential to uplift ourselves. I believe we made the correct decision."

He remarked, "We are fully attentive and prepared to listen at all times. I assure you of an open-door policy, which I intend to uphold. This open-door policy means that you can contact and communicate with me anytime, sharing any concerns you may have. We may not achieve perfection every time, but it is crucial that we make the right decisions for this country 90 percent of the time."

During the meeting, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, also expressed the complete endorsement of the traditional rulers towards Tinubu's administration. He stated, "We are fully behind your government, offering our unwavering support, and we have faith that with the will of Almighty Allah, you will lead this country towards progress."