The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by urgently reversing the price increase of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Its Lagos State Chairman, Dr Babajide Saheed, made the appeal in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
Saheed said such a move would provide much-needed relief to citizens, especially its members who are grappling with the weight of the recent removal of petrol subsidies.
According to him, the citizens are also weighed down by escalating inflation, high electricity tariffs, insecurity and excessive taxation on wages.
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He said the hike in PMS prices came at a time when Nigerians are enduring unprecedented economic pressures.
“The impact of this decision will ripple across all sectors, further deepening the mental, social, and emotional stress that citizens are currently experiencing.
“With inflation rates soaring and the cost of living at an all-time high, the sudden spike in petrol prices will increase the poverty level across the country.
“It will also contribute to rising rates of depression, hospital admissions related to stress-induced medical conditions, social unrest, and even mortality,” he said.
The chairman said that NMA members are migrating from the country in droves due to the economic challenges.
He worried that the recent development would exacerbate the already dire circumstances facing its members and the health sector.
Saheed further appealed to the Federal Government to review its economic policies, noting that the country should move toward self-sufficiency in the production of petroleum products, including PMS.
“We urge the government to expedite efforts to end the importation of petrol and focus on revitalising our local refineries.
“Additionally, addressing the persistent insecurity in the country must be a top priority if we are to create a stable environment, conducive for economic growth and reduce the ever-widening gap of hardship and poverty among Nigerians.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), increased the pump price of PMS nationwide with effect from Sept. 3. (NAN)
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