By Mercy Aikoye
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives strongly condemns the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) recent announcement to increase petrol prices.
This decision is ill-timed and insensitive to the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians. The country is grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, and a depreciating Naira.
The increase in petrol prices will exacerbate the suffering of the average Nigerian, impacting the cost of transportation, food, and essential goods and services. This will erode the purchasing power of millions, pushing more families into poverty.
The Minority Caucus is concerned that the NNPC made this decision without adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly. This unilateral action disregards transparency, accountability, and fairness.
The current economic conditions have placed immense pressure on citizens’ livelihoods, triggering widespread protests. The government must address the connection between dire economic conditions and social unrest.
The Minority Caucus calls on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and reverse the petrol price increase. They must explore sustainable measures to stabilize the economy without burdening the people.
This includes rehabilitating and upgrading local refineries, curbing corruption in the petroleum sector, and ensuring subsidies benefit the masses, not just a few individuals.
The Minority Caucus stands with the Nigerian people in rejecting this price hike and will continue advocating for policies prioritizing citizens’ welfare and well-being. They urge the government to listen to the people and alleviate their suffering.
