Fuel subsidy: UN disowns official’s comment

The office of the Secretary-General of United Nations has issued out a statement distancing itself from the comments credited to the Special Adviser to Mr. Ban Ki Moon, Prof. Jeff Sachs who described the removal of fuel subsidy as a “bold and correct policy,” while visiting President Goodluck Jonathan last week.

The statement reads:

“Professor Jeffrey Sachs’ remarks relayed by the press on January 6, 2012 require clarification. Contrary to some press reports, Professor Sachs was not representing any official United Nations position on the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

Professor Sachs was visiting Abuja to discuss and assist in Nigeria’s programs for the Millennium Development Goals and poverty alleviation.

The United Nations System in Nigeria takes this opportunity to stress its continued commitment to contributing to peace and stability in Nigeria.”