Northern Christian Elders Warn of Deeper Hardship, Demand Petrol Price Reversal
The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently reverse the latest increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), warning that the development would further worsen the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, the forum expressed concern over the rising cost of living, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, transportation costs, and declining household purchasing power across the country.
It questioned the decision to increase the price of petroleum products at a time when millions of Nigerians were already struggling to meet their basic needs.
According to NOSCEF, if the Federal Government requires additional revenue to finance its programmes and obligations, it should explore sustainable, less burdensome alternatives rather than repeatedly transferring the cost to citizens.
The group urged Tinubu to use the remaining period of his administration to focus on measures that would ease Nigerians’ suffering, restore purchasing power, create jobs, strengthen security, and address the deterioration of critical infrastructure.
NOSCEF acknowledged that the administration had made efforts in some areas but maintained that the continuing hardship across the country showed that more needed to be done.
The forum also appealed to the President to remain connected to the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, noting that its members lived and worked among the people and experienced the challenges confronting their communities.
It called on the Federal Government to review and reverse the latest PMS price increase, reduce the cost of living, create productive opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity, and accelerate the rehabilitation and provision of critical infrastructure.
NOSCEF further cautioned that Nigerians’ patience should not be mistaken for acceptance of perpetual hardship, urging the government to demonstrate empathy, listen to citizens, and take decisive action.
The forum said the welfare of Nigerians must remain at the centre of major economic decisions.
