Vet doctors oppose fuel subsidy removal

Dr-Ganiy-Enahoro

Vet doctors oppose fuel subsidy removal
Qasim Akinreti, Lagos

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Doctors Association, NVMA, has opposed the proposed removal of oil subsidy and called for confidence building by the Nigerian government.

While expressing its opposition to the proposed removal of oil subsidy, the association said it believes that the stage was not properly set for the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, no matter how well intentioned it may seem.

The President of the association in a statement said that following the debate on the proposed removal of fuel subsidy, the atmosphere was becoming more charged and Nigerians should not be pushed to the precipice.

He noted that Nigerians have been highly traumatized over the years by the open display of wasteful spending by governments at all levels and their functionaries, which is in sharp contrast to the calls for more tolerance, understanding and patience  from the people .

The NVMA President said the several recent hiccups with government privatization policies could have been avoided if government had carefully looked at it ab initio.

Using the proposed 2012 budget as an example, the NVMA said it was worried that a whopping 97.5 million Naira would be used to build a gate in the presidential villa and N1billion Naira for feeding, while critical sectors of the economy suffer.

The Association lamented that those alleged to have run the country aground in the past are still major actors in the current political space. This according to it was against the spirit of transformation agenda of President Jonathan.

It called on the federal government to embark more on activities that would restore public confidence, improve internal security by creating more jobs for the massive unemployed youths that are daily losing hope in this country, before contemplating the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy.

Specifically on agriculture, it advised President Goodluck Jonathan to walk-his-talk in the reliance on Agriculture for the needed turn-around of the economy.

The Association called on the National Assembly to increase the budgetary provision of 78.9 billion Naira for the highly congested needs of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to help boost the projected employment of youths, and truly demonstrate the new dream of non dependence on oil alone as Nigeria’s income earner.

It also urged government to establish Federal Veterinary centres in all states as part of back-up support for farmers to address improved animal disease diagnosis and veterinary services generally. 

Commendation

NVMA commended government decision on zero import duty on agricultural equipments and supported the need for a separate Ministry in charge of Animal Health, Livestock and Fisheries Development, from the current ministry of agriculture and natural resources, MANR as part of a genuine transformation agenda.

The Association said it would help bring forward the hidden treasures in livestock resources, which potentials are currently entrapped in the current ministry.

The group however noted with satisfaction that eight states have already created a separate ministry in charge of Animal Health, Livestock and Fisheries Development to improve employment generation from livestock farming.

Cokey