President Tinubu Urged to Lower Fuel Price to N300 Per Litre Amid National Hardship
Wisdom Tide
12/09/2024
In light of the ongoing economic challenges facing Nigeria, Vincent Odogbor, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Mass Mobilization to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs. The call, reported by The Vanguard, urges the President to leverage his leadership to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the recent fuel price hike.
Impact of Rising Fuel Prices on Nigerians
The recent surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across NNPCL outlets has sparked widespread concern. In some areas, the price has soared beyond N1,000 per litre, leading to immense pressure on citizens already grappling with economic difficulties. Odogbor stressed that this price increase has deepened the hardship experienced by Nigerians, particularly those in rural and riverine communities who are disproportionately affected by higher transportation and energy costs.
"Many Nigerians are finding it difficult to sustain their livelihoods," Odogbor stated. "The rise in fuel prices has not only led to an increase in the cost of living but has also caused businesses to close and workers to lose their jobs due to skyrocketing operational expenses." He emphasized that the current economic climate has placed unprecedented pressure on citizens, with many unable to afford basic necessities.
A Call for Immediate Relief
Odogbor’s plea to the President is straightforward: lower the price of petrol to between N300 and N400 per litre. This, he believes, would provide immediate relief to millions of Nigerians and help stabilize the economy.
He explained that while fuel price adjustments are often necessary to reflect global market trends, the recent hike has been excessively burdensome. "We understand that the removal of fuel subsidies was intended to allow market-driven pricing, but the resulting price hike has crippled many sectors of the economy," he remarked.
He further argued that a significant reduction in fuel prices would restore consumer confidence, ease inflationary pressures, and provide a lifeline for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling to survive in the current economic conditions.
Rural and Riverine Communities Hit Hardest
In his statement, Odogbor specifically highlighted the plight of rural and riverine communities, which have been hardest hit by the rising fuel costs. In these areas, transportation is heavily reliant on petrol-powered vehicles and boats, making any increase in fuel prices particularly devastating.
"People in riverine communities have to pay exorbitant prices for fuel just to carry out daily activities like fishing, farming, and transporting goods," Odogbor noted. "These communities are the backbone of our agricultural and fishing industries, and their ability to function is being severely impaired by these high fuel prices."
He called for special consideration of these communities in any government policy related to fuel pricing, noting that their economic contribution is essential to the nation's food security and overall economic health.
The Broader Economic Impact
The ripple effect of rising fuel prices has extended far beyond individual households. According to Odogbor, businesses across the country are feeling the squeeze as operational costs soar. This has led to widespread job losses, particularly in industries reliant on transportation and logistics, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.
"Businesses are laying off workers because they can no longer afford to operate at these high costs," he said. "If we do not take action now, the consequences will be dire for our economy. The workforce must be empowered, not burdened, if we want to see any real progress."
He further emphasized that the current economic policies, while perhaps well-intentioned, have inadvertently created more challenges for the average Nigerian. The cost of essential goods and services has risen dramatically, pushing more families into poverty.
A Plea for Compassionate Leadership
In his concluding remarks, Odogbor appealed directly to President Tinubu's sense of responsibility and compassion. "Mr. President, the suffering caused by this fuel crisis affects everyone, from senior citizens to persons with disabilities, students, innocent children, and the poor," he stated. "I join other concerned Nigerians in urging you to review the price of PMS to between N300 and N400 per litre so that Nigeria’s workforce can be empowered to achieve economic stability and prosperity."
Odogbor's call reflects a growing sentiment across the nation: that the government must act swiftly and decisively to address the economic strain caused by the fuel price hike. As the nation awaits President Tinubu's response, the hope is that relief will come soon to ease the burden on Nigerian families and businesses.
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