Recent fuel price hikes in Nigeria have sparked widespread criticism, with an ex-senator and several clerics urging the government to reverse the increase. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) recently raised the price of petrol to N1,030 per litre in Abuja and N998 per litre in Lagos, marking the second hike in one month and a 14.8% increase.
Rev. Israel Akanji, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu during the 64th Baptist Ministers Conference in Kaduna. Akanji emphasized that reducing fuel prices would have a cascading effect, leading to lower costs for farm products, house rent, and school fees, thereby alleviating the hardship faced by Nigerians.
Senator Shehu Sani also weighed in on the issue, acknowledging the suffering of Nigerians and the difficulty they face in feeding their families, providing medical care, and educating their children. He stressed that while economic reforms are necessary, the sacrifices should not be borne solely by the poor. Sani advocated for those in positions of power to also make sacrifices to help the nation move forward.
Former CAN Chairman in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph Hayab, added to the chorus of discontent, highlighting the economic challenges and the impact of high fuel prices on already impoverished families. He also lamented the ongoing struggles with terrorism and kidnapping, which further exacerbate the economic hardship.
The calls for a reversal of the fuel price hike come as Nigerians continue to grapple with the economic downturn and its far-reaching consequences. The government is under increasing pressure to find solutions that will ease the burden on the populace.
