Leading socio-cultural organizations in Nigeria, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and Arewa Youths, have warned the government against the consequences of the recent increase in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pump price, demanding a reversal to the old price.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had blamed the petrol hike on market forces, causing prices to rise from around N600 to over N855 per liter. In some states, the product is sold as high as N1,400, exacerbating the country’s inflation.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s factional Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated that the government must reverse the pump price, emphasizing that failure to do so would have grave consequences.
“Suffocation of Nigerians will have repercussions if skyrocketing price of fuel is not reversed… President Tinubu must summon his righteous resolve to act decisively in order to save Nigerians from this suffocating economic quagmire.”
Afenifere’s spokesman, Jare Ajayi, noted that the failure of NNPCL to reverse the fuel price would negatively impact some policies of the Tinubu administration aimed at easing citizens’ challenges.
“The government should order the corporation to reverse the price hike forthwith as it is already causing untold hardship for the people.”
Arewa Youth Consultative Forum’s President General, Yerima Shettima, called on President Bola Tinubu to bridge the communication gap between the presidency and Nigerians, stating that poor communication has led to anger and frustration.
“Tinubu should address Nigerians and tell us what is happening in NNPCL and also clarify the issues of subsidy.”
The organizations emphasized the need for urgent action to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
