Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Immediate Reversal of Fuel Price Hike

The Minority Caucus of Nigeria's House of Representatives has strongly opposed the recent fuel price hike implemented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, has called for an urgent reversal of the increase, labeling it as "ill-timed" and "grossly insensitive" to the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

"The ripple effects of such an increase are far-reaching, impacting the cost of transportation, food, and other essential goods and services," Chinda stated.

He emphasized that the decision was made without adequate consultation with key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, which represents the interests of the people.

The lawmakers warned that the fuel price hike would further erode the already fragile purchasing power of millions of citizens, pushing more families into poverty. "This unilateral action disregards the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness, which should guide decisions affecting the lives of the citizenry," Chinda added.

The Minority Caucus highlighted the dire economic conditions currently plaguing the nation, such as rising inflation, unemployment, and the depreciating value of the Naira.

They cautioned that any further increase in petrol prices would only exacerbate the suffering of the average Nigerian. "We urge the government to listen to the voice of the people and take immediate steps to alleviate their suffering, rather than aggravate it," Chinda urged.

The caucus proposed several measures to stabilize the economy without placing additional burdens on the populace. These include prioritizing the rehabilitation and upgrading of local refineries, curbing corruption within the petroleum sector, and ensuring that subsidies genuinely benefit the masses rather than a few privileged individuals.

The statement also touched on the broader implications of economic instability, warning that it could quickly escalate into social and political unrest. "The resulting unrest and chaos serve as stark reminders that economic instability can quickly escalate into broader social and political instability," Chinda noted.

In conclusion, the Minority Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian citizens and vowed to continue advocating for policies that prioritize public well-being.

"We stand with the Nigerian people in rejecting this petrol price hike and will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the welfare and well-being of all citizens," Chinda declared.