Prominent socio-cultural organisations in Nigeria, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, have issued stern warnings to the federal government, urging it to revert the recent increase in the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pump price.
The groups, in separate interviews with DAILY POST on Saturday, expressed concerns over the severe consequences of failing to reverse the price hike.
Nigerians were shocked on Tuesday by a sudden rise in fuel prices, with the pump price soaring from around N600 to over N855 per litre. In some states, fuel is now sold at prices as high as N1,400, further aggravating the country’s economic challenges. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) attributed the hike to market forces, but the move has sparked outrage, leading to inflation and increased hardship across the country.
The increase in fuel prices has had an immediate impact on transportation costs, with fares rising by at least 50% in cities like Abuja, Lagos, and other states. Many civil servants were left stranded on Tuesday evening as they could no longer afford the new fares. A commercial driver, Moses Jukun, lamented that the increase in fuel prices has crippled the transportation business, leaving drivers struggling to make a profit.
“When fuel was cheap, the transportation business was lucrative. But now, with fuel prices as high as N900 per litre, we are barely making any profit,” Jukun told newsmen
The hike in fuel prices has also led to a sharp rise in the cost of goods and services. In markets like Bwari, the prices of essential commodities, particularly food items, have surged. Business owners, like boutique operator Friday Johnson, have warned that prices will continue to rise as they restock goods purchased at higher costs.
“I’m still selling the old stock at the normal price, but once my new goods arrive, the prices will go up,” Johnson said.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Warns of Repercussions
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through its factional secretary, General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, warned the government of the grave consequences if the fuel prices are not reversed. Isiguzoro described the situation as a “suffocation of Nigerians” and called for a thorough inquiry into the policies that led to the hike.
“The cries of the Nigerian people serve as a call for accountability and change within the management of NNPCL. If the government fails to act, the consequences will be difficult to manage,” Isiguzoro said.
Afenifere Criticises Fuel Price Hike
The pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, also condemned the fuel price increase, stating that it would undermine the positive impact of other policies of the Tinubu administration, such as the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme. Afenifere’s spokesperson, Jare Ajayi, urged the government to reverse the hike to prevent further hardship for citizens.
“Failure by the NNPCL to reverse the latest increment will negatively affect some of the administration’s policies that are meant to ease life for Nigerians,” Ajayi said.
Arewa Youths Call for Better Communication
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) expressed frustration over the lack of communication between the presidency and the public regarding the price increase. AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, called on President Bola Tinubu to address the nation and explain the government’s actions, particularly regarding the NNPCL and the issue of fuel subsidies.
“We are going through hard times, but there has been a failure in communication from the government. President Tinubu must address Nigerians and clarify the situation,” Shettima stated.
Despite growing discontent, Shettima discouraged calls for nationwide protests, recalling the chaos of previous demonstrations.
As public dissatisfaction continues to mount, these socio-cultural groups have made it clear that the government must act swiftly to alleviate the economic burden on Nigerians by reversing the fuel price hike.
