The Hydra Headed Fuel Hike

By Catherine Doosuur Ishu Esq.

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: News hit the country on the 3rd of September, 2024 of the new hike in fuel price. The NNPCL mega stations which hitherto sold PMS at #620 per liter while other independent fuel marketers sold at a price hitting a high of N900 have all jacked up their prices. The very next day, most independent fuel marketers sold PMS for as much as N1300.
The product is not fully available for sale even from the NNPCL mega stations for purchasers to see not to talk of buying.

My concern is not just the hike in fuel price of but the resultant effect it would have on the Nigerian populace and the economy at large. A lot of unpalatable issues are tied to the hike in fuel prices which would make life unbearable for the common man. The hike in fuel prices will hike up the price in transportation which is already evident. People string the roads waiting for hours unending, just to catch the commuting buses which are unavailable due to the lack of fuel and the high cost purchasing same.

The lack of transportation is a direct cause of the fuel hike which would in turn affect the prices of farm produce sold to the consumers. The hike in fuel price would equally affect the quality of goods and services sold or rendered to the end user. Not forgetting to mention that this action would also affect the quality of life that the average Nigerian would be subjected to living. The employer would also be affected by the hours of work put in by the employee.
Cumulatively, the hike in fuel price will bear down on productivity which would mean less productive work hours. This will equally affect the GDP of the nation.

The hike in fuel price a domino effect which cascades into every facet of life of the average Nigerian. Crime as an indirect consequence of the hike in fuel prices, is on the rise. This in turn no sooner shall congest the already overpopulated Correctional Centers. This trend is not only unhealthy for the inmates but also poses a national security risk.

Nigeria has 3 refineries, yet none is functional . As a country known to be the giant of Africa and having large reserves, Nigeria still imports fuel at a very high cost which is laughable. Nigerians are forced into employing illicit ways just to survive.

The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should wake up to its responsibility and look into ways and means to proferring lasting solution to this pandemic that has hit the country.

As a people, Nigerians deserve a better quality of life. They are not asking for too much; just that the dividends of the oil rich country, be made accessible for every citizen at an affordable price. Let the government of the day, in taking it’s so called hard stand to tackle issues “for the good of all Nigerians” remember that without the people being alive and well, all policies implemented would not be beneficial to a dying country.

Catherine Doosuur Ishu Esq.