Leading socio-cultural groups have expressed deep concern over the recent surge in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pump prices (Petrol Price Hike), urging the Nigerian government to revert to the previous rates to avoid severe repercussions.
In separate discussions with PulseNets, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and Arewa Youths warned that the failure to address the price hike could lead to widespread hardship for both the populace and the government.
Nigerians were stunned on Tuesday when fuel prices soared from the official N600 to over N855 per litre, as reported by PulseNets. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) attributed this surge to market forces, leaving citizens in some states paying as much as N1,400 per litre. This development has aggravated inflation, pushing the economy deeper into crisis as prices for goods and services skyrocket.
Transportation Crisis
PulseNets learned that civil servants across the country were left stranded due to sudden increases in transportation fares, with rates jumping by at least 50% in cities like Abuja, Lagos, and other states. A commercial driver, Moses Jukun, told PulseNets, “It’s tough for us. The passengers can’t pay these fares, and we’re barely making any profit. Fuel costs N900 per litre now, and the business has lost its profitability.”
Intra-city fares, once around N1,000, now cost commuters up to N2,000, worsening the already difficult living conditions.
Prices of Commodities Skyrocket
As expected, the rise in fuel prices has triggered an increase in the cost of essential commodities. PulseNets spoke with a boutique owner, Friday Johnson, who explained, “I’m expecting goods on Monday, and the prices will be higher. The cost has doubled from two months ago. I’ll have to pass the burden onto my customers because we all are paying for this government action.”
Grave Warnings from Ohanaeze Ndigbo
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, told PulseNets that the Nigerian government must reverse the fuel price increase to avoid severe consequences. “Suffocating Nigerians with these fuel prices will have repercussions. President Tinubu must act now to prevent an economic disaster,” Isiguzoro warned.
He stressed that an overhaul of the petroleum sector is necessary, adding that credible reports from all 774 local government areas show Nigerians grappling with poverty, insecurity, and hardship. “If the government delays in reversing these prices, the consequences will be unmanageable. The president must listen to the cries of Nigerians,” he added.
Afenifere: Tinubu’s Policies at Risk
Jare Ajayi, spokesperson for Afenifere, also spoke to PulseNets, warning that failure to reverse the price hike would undermine the positive impact of some of Tinubu’s policies. “Policies like the Student Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, which are designed to help Nigerians, will be overshadowed by the hardship caused by the fuel price hike,” he said.
Ajayi called for an immediate government intervention, urging the NNPCL to revert the prices to ease the suffering of the people.
Arewa Youths Call for Better Communication
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), through its President General, Yerima Shettima, told PulseNets that there is a severe communication gap between the government and the citizens. “The fuel price hike and other policies were poorly communicated, causing frustration. The National Orientation Agency needs to step up and educate people,” Shettima remarked.
Also Read: Petrol Price Hike: Reps ask FG, NNPCL to Reverse Unacceptable Pump Price
He also urged President Tinubu to address Nigerians directly, explaining the NNPCL situation and clarifying the subsidy issues. Shettima added that protests would not be a solution, advising against any form of public demonstration.
The situation remains critical, and socio-cultural groups across the country are unified in their call for urgent action. PulseNets will continue to monitor and report on the unfolding economic challenges facing Nigeria.
