As fuel scarcity persists in Nigeria, numerous organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the House of Representatives, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), have demanded that the Federal Government reverse the recent hike in fuel prices.
The price of petrol surged from N568 to N897 per litre on Monday, sparking widespread condemnation. Vice President Kashim Shettima convened a meeting with Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari, and the National Security Advisor to address the crisis. The Minister of State assured that the government is not controlling fuel prices, while the NNPCL maintained that prices are influenced by free market forces.
The Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) criticized the government for its lack of transparency regarding local refineries and fuel pricing. Despite the NNPCL’s claims of not being responsible for the price hike, the organization acknowledged substantial debt to suppliers as a factor.
In response to the price increase, House Committee Chairman on Petroleum Resources, Alhassan Doguwa, has called for an immediate return to previous prices, citing the exacerbation of Nigerians’ hardships. The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives also condemned the increase, arguing it worsens existing economic difficulties.
The PDP criticized the hike as thoughtless and detrimental, urging President Tinubu to reverse the decision to alleviate suffering. The NBA described the increase as unjustifiable, urging the government to engage in dialogue with stakeholders to find more sustainable solutions.
The NNPP accused the APC-led government of incompetence and predicted that the price hike would deepen poverty. Similarly, the CNG rejected the increase, stressing its adverse effects on the economy and demanding a reevaluation of the policy.
Overall, the broad consensus is that the recent fuel price hike is placing additional strain on an already struggling populace, prompting calls for immediate government action to address and reverse the decision.
