Katsina CSOs Urge FG to Reverse Fuel Price Hike

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina State has condemned the increase of fuel price from N540 to N617 by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

The state Chairman of the coalition, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdullahi, denounced what he termed as a sudden price increase of the product in a message sent to THISDAY yesterday.

NNPCL last Tuesday announced an increase in the pump price of petrol nationwide from N537 per litre to N617.

The oil firm claimed that market forces were responsible for the increase in the pump price of petrol.

But Abdullahi, in the message, described the NNPCL’s decision as the highest level of insensitivity to the plight of Nigerian citizens, especially the downtrodden.

He said the increase in petroleum price would trigger hardship faced by Nigerians and make youths more vulnerable to recruitment into banditry and other nefarious activities.

Consequently, he called on the NNPC and the federal government to as a matter of urgency reverse the price in order to alleviate the sufferings of the citizens.

 He urged the government to cushion the effect of subsidy removal by reviving the country’s moribund refineries, reviewing minimum wage, subsidising transportation fare, and the soaring cost of foodstuffs.

Abdullahi said: “The increase will further aggravate the current hardship Nigerians are passing through and will make our youths more vulnerable for recruitment into banditry and other criminal activities.

“Hence, the government should consider reversing this increase to the old price. We call on the federal government to as a matter of urgency focus attention on cushioning the effects of subsidy removal by channeling resources in reviving our moribund refineries.

“And subsidising transportation and the soaring cost of foodstuff, as well as reviewing minimum wage in tandem with the current situation. This should be expedited rather than aggravating the situation by more increase in fuel price.”