Fuel Price Hike: Ohanaeze, Afenifere, Arewa Youths Demand Reversal

Leading socio-cultural groups in Nigeria have cautioned the government about the potential fallout from the recent hike in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices, urging a return to the previous rates.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and Arewa Youths told NIGERIA NEWS 247 on Saturday that failure to reverse the price increase would have severe consequences for both the government and citizens.

Nigerians were shocked to discover the fuel price surged from around N600 to over N855 per litre, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) attributing the hike to market forces. In some areas, prices have reached as high as N1,400, exacerbating inflation and economic hardship.

Transportation Woes

On Tuesday, many civil servants were stranded as transportation fares soared by at least 50% in cities like Abuja and Lagos. A commercial driver, Moses Jukun, said the price increase has made it difficult to turn a profit, with passengers struggling to afford the new fares.

Rising Prices of Goods

Market prices for essential goods have also risen. Femi Egbesola, President of the Association of Small Business Organisations of Nigeria (ASBON), warned that the fuel price hike would inevitably impact commodity prices. A boutique owner, Friday Johnson, shared that his costs have doubled since his last order, and he plans to raise prices when his new stock arrives.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Warning

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, called for an immediate reversal of the fuel prices, warning that the continued financial “suffocation” of Nigerians could have serious repercussions. He urged President Tinubu to overhaul the petroleum sector and listen to the people’s grievances to prevent unrest and protests.

Afenifere’s Concern

Afenifere’s spokesman, Jare Ajayi, warned that the price hike could undermine some of President Tinubu’s new policies, such as the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Scheme. He urged the government to instruct the NNPCL to reverse the increase to ease the burden on citizens.

Arewa Youths Criticize Communication

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) expressed frustration with the lack of communication from the presidency. AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, said the government’s failure to adequately explain the fuel price hike has bred anger and confusion. He called on President Tinubu to address the nation and clarify the situation within the NNPCL, while discouraging protests.

Shettima added that while Nigerians are facing hard times, many of the current issues are a result of the previous administration’s failures, and he encouraged patience as the new government tries to address these challenges.