The Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN) has raised concerns that the recent hike in fuel prices could push impoverished and frustrated Nigerians towards mob action.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President, Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, and the National Secretary, Dame (Arc) Rosemary Azimi, the association highlighted the devastating effects of the price increase, which comes amid rising electricity tariffs and high tax rates, on an already burdened populace.
The Catholic group, in a statement titled “Hike in Tariffs, Taxes and Pump Price of Petroleum Products and Attendant Economic Hardship: A Potential Catalyst for Mass Revolt”, urged the Federal Government to reconsider the fuel price hike and explore alternative solutions to prevent widespread unrest.
The association noted that the situation is dire, with many civil servants reportedly working only two to three days a week, while labour unions have threatened strikes.
It also called on government to address underlying economic issues such as corruption and mismanagement as well as provide a detailed report on the maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna, even as it called for full support for Dangote Refinery.
The statement read : “The recent increase in prices of Petroleum products has sparked widespread outrage and concern among Nigerian citizens, who are already reeling from the economic downturn.
“This latest hike is a devastating blow to Nigerians who are already struggling to make ends meet after recent increase in Electricity tariffs and high tax rates. The ever increasing and unstable exchange rate is another burden which ordinary citizens and manufacturers have been grappling with in recent times.
“Many manufacturing companies have shut down operations, many workers laid off and millions of small scale businesses and start ups have collapsed. Information at our disposal indicates that Civil servants work for 2-3 days a week.
“The Labour Unions have threatened to go on strike. The nation is in crisis. There is palpable fear of mob actions by hungry and angry citizens. The fuel price increase has far-reaching consequences affecting not only transportation costs but also the prices of essential goods and services. The ripple effect is being felt across all sectors, with small business owners, artisans, and low-income earners bearing the brunt.
“Government’s justification for the price hike is unconvincing and the measures put in place to mitigate the effects are near non existent. The situation demands urgent and decisive action by Government.
“While majority of people are clamouring for the immediate take off of Dangote Refinery in line with International marketing Procedures, the refinery is now awaiting positive actions by Government to enable it begin production.”
The group made the following demands of the government:
1. Reconsider the fuel price increase and explore alternative solutions.
2. Provide tangible support to vulnerable citizens, such as subsidies or
3.Address the root causes of the economic downturn, including corruption and mismanagement.
4.Give a detailed report on turn around Maintenance of the Nigerian Refineries located in Warri, Portharcourt, Kaduna
5.Take deliberate steps and actions geared towards strengthening the very weak Naira and
6.Give Dangote refinery and Petrochemical company all the necessary support to fully take off.
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