The House of Representatives has approved the N500 billion as requested by President Bola Tinubu for the provision of palliatives to cushion the effect of petroleum subsidy removal.

The House approved the President’s request after contributions from members of the House who urged proper use of the monies for the intended purpose.

Members took turns praising the President for taking the daring step of eliminating fuel subsidies and demonstrating to Nigerians that he was a listening President.

House Leader Julius Ihonvbare, who put forward the request to members for debate, stated that the country now has a President who listens to the people’s yearnings.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, on the other hand, stated that the correct criterion for measuring a government is whether it is responsible and responsive.

He stated that granting the palliatives is not the only thing that should be done, but that the House should put in place mechanisms to monitor the usage of the palliatives and guarantee that the intended goal is met.

Recall that Mr. Tinubu requested the National Assembly in a letter on Wednesday to amend the 2022 Supplementary Appropriations Act to provide N500 billion for palliatives.

The lower chamber debated and approved the amended measure on Thursday.

The letter did not provide information about the palliatives that will be provided.