Leading socio-cultural organizations in Nigeria have urged the government to reconsider its recent hike in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pump prices, warning of dire consequences if the previous price is not reinstated.
In separate interviews with National Sunrise on Saturday, the Igbo World Union, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and Arewa Youths expressed concern over the potential fallout from the government's failure to reverse the price hike. They emphasized that the continued increase in fuel costs could have severe repercussions for both the government and the public.
On Tuesday, Nigerians woke up to the news of a sharp rise in fuel prices, with the official pump price soaring from around N600 to over N855 per liter. In some states, prices have reached as high as N1,400, exacerbating inflation and further straining the nation's already struggling economy.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) attributed the price hike to market forces, but the impact has been felt across the country. Prices of goods and services have risen rapidly, and transportation costs have surged. Many civil servants were left stranded on Tuesday evening, as fares increased by at least 50% in Abuja, Lagos, and other states.
Commercial drivers like Moses Jukun have struggled to cope with the situation. He lamented that the price increase has made it difficult for them to turn a profit, with many commuters unable to afford the new fares.
Prices of commodities have also soared, with market traders warning of further increases. A boutique owner, Friday Johnson, told *National Sunrise* that the prices of his goods, expected to arrive from Onitsha, would inevitably rise.
Igbo World Union and Ohaneze Ndigbo stressed that the government must act swiftly to reverse the fuel price hike, warning of severe consequences if it fails to do so. He called for an overhaul of the petroleum sector and urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
Afenifere spokesperson, echoed this sentiment, warning that the fuel price hike could undermine the positive impact of Tinubu's policies, including the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Scheme. He urged the government to reverse the price increase immediately.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) also called on President Tinubu to address the communication gap between the government and Nigerians. AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, said poor communication was fueling public frustration and urged the president to clarify the situation regarding the fuel price hike and subsidy removal.
Despite rumors of a potential nationwide protest, Shettima advised against it, citing the negative consequences of past demonstrations. Instead, he called for better communication and transparency from the government.
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