The recent surge in petrol prices in Nigeria, which has seen the cost rise from about N600 to over N855 per litre and in some places even higher, has sparked widespread concern and criticism from major socio-cultural groups.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and Arewa Youths have each issued strong statements urging the Nigerian government to reverse the increase, warning of severe repercussions if the old price is not reinstated.
The hike has led to immediate adverse effects on the economy, including a spike in transportation fares and a subsequent rise in the cost of goods and services. This has created significant hardship for many Nigerians, particularly affecting those dependent on transportation and small business owners.
Leaders from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, like Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, have called for an urgent rollback of the price increase, citing the devastating impact on ordinary citizens and demanding accountability and structural reforms within the petroleum sector. They argue that the current economic strain exacerbates existing issues of poverty and insecurity, and insist that a reversal is necessary to alleviate the burden on the populace.