Key organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, and the House of Representatives, have called on the Federal Government to reverse the recent fuel price hike amid worsening fuel scarcity in Nigeria.
On Monday, fuel prices surged from N568 per litre to N897 at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s filling stations across the country, triggering widespread outrage.
In response, Vice President Kashim Shettima held a meeting with Minister of State for Petroleum Heineken, NNPCL CEO, Mele Kyari, and the National Security Advisor to address the increase and ongoing scarcity, according to Vanguard.
The Minister confirmed that the government is not setting petrol prices.
NNPCL, however, stated that petrol prices are influenced by market forces.
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) criticized the government for being less than transparent about local refineries and the true state of fuel prices.
The price hike followed NNPCL’s admission of over $6 billion in debt to suppliers.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting with the Vice President, Lokpobiri said “We were summoned by the Vice President, who was directed by Mr. President to summon the meeting and we have been with him to brief him about what is going on across the country. And what is important is for us to convey to Nigerians that the President is empathetic about what is going on in the country. He is concerned about the hardship faced by Nigerians, and that was why he directed the Vice President to call the meeting, for us to reflect on what is going on in the country.
“What is important is that products are available in the country, and we believe that between now and the weekend, there will be availability of products across the length and breadth of the country.
“The price could be high in some other areas, much more higher in some other locations, and in some locations, much more than you know other areas.
“But we believe that by the time there is availability of products across the country, the price itself will stabilize.
“But what is important is that government is not fixing prices. This sector is deregulated, and we believe that with availability of products, the price will find its level. This is important for Nigeria to know.
“The summary is that the President is empathetic about what’s going on. That’s why he directed this meeting. There is enough product in the country to meet the demands of Nigerians. There should be no panic buying. And we also believe that Nigerians need to know that government is not fixing prices. That is what I want to convey to Nigerians.”
However, the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Alhassan Doguwa has urged the Federal Government and NNPCL to revert to the previous petrol price.
He condemned the recent price hike as “unacceptable” and called for immediate action to suspend the increase, citing the significant hardship it has caused.
“Nigerians are currently going through a lot today and adding to this burden is not in our collective best interest. Let us revert to the old pump price as soon as possible, and probably intensify engagements with major stakeholders to address the problem.”
Doguwa who doubles as the Chairman, Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Vandalisation of pipelines, also pledged the readiness of the committee to tackle the challenge caused by loss of revenue to the government owing to the loss of crude.
“As a special committee, we will aggressively seek modalities to interface with the youths and community leaders in the oil-producing areas to address the frequent cases of crude oil theft, which is one of the reasons capable of affecting petrol supply across the country.
“We are working in collaboration with security agencies in their quest to secure oil pipelines and other critical facilities in the country. We believe that a return to the old pump price will calm frayed nerves, thus enabling Nigerians to go about their daily activities with ease,” he noted.
The Nigerian Bar Association in a statement by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said “This significant and abrupt hike has imposed an unbearable burden on the already overstretched finances of ordinary Nigerians, further aggravating the economic challenges faced by millions across the country.
“The cascading effects of such a steep increase in fuel prices on the cost of living, transportation, and essential goods and services are deeply troubling. Many Nigerians are already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and other forms of hardship, and this additional financial strain is simply unsustainable. If allowed to persist, this price hike will only deepen the poverty and hardship experienced by the citizens.
“While the NBA acknowledges the necessity of economic reforms and recognizes the government’s responsibility to make difficult decisions, these decisions must be made with the utmost consideration for their impact on the welfare of the citizens. The NBA views this sudden price hike as not only harsh but also unjustified at this time.
“In light of this, the NBA calls on the Federal Government to immediately halt the implementation of this policy and engage in meaningful dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations, labor unions, and economic experts, to explore more sustainable and less punitive alternatives.
“We urge the government to prioritise the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, and to pursue policies that alleviate rather than exacerbate the hardships faced by the Nigerian people.
“The NBA remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and will continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of all Nigerians. We stand ready to engage constructively with the government to find a more equitable solution that ensures economic stability while safeguarding the interests of all Nigerians.”
