A socio-political group, the Collective Movement (TCM), has called on the Federal Government to prevent any further harmful economic policies to reduce the present tension among Nigerians.
TCM stated that the recent hike in petroleum prices from N568 to N855 per liter is poised to cause severe damage to Nigeria’s economy.
According to the group, the impression out there is that since this regime came on stream Nigerians have not breathed a sigh of relief contrary to what it said it would do for the people.
The group’s Director of Media, Mazi Edwin Nwachukwu in a press release, on Thursday, quoted the National Youth Leader of TCM, Mr Muhammad Safeeyan, as saying that the direct impact of the fuel price increase is alarming, with transport fares skyrocketing to the detriment of the citizenry.
Safeeyan explained that the higher fuel prices will continue to lead to increased prices of goods and services, saying that the average Nigerian’s cost of living has risen astronomically as household budgets are strained by increased expenses on transportation and goods among others especially now the schools have resumed.
In Safeeyan’s words: “The fuel price increase has hindered economic growth, as higher production costs and reduced consumer spending has resulted in decreased economic activity across the country”
According to him, a journey that once cost N2,000 to N3,000 now demands as much as N10,000, thus causing undue hardship and pain to an already burdened Nigerian populace.
Safeeyan noted that beyond transportation, this has a cascading effect on the cost of commodities, thereby making necessities even more unaffordable for the average Nigerian, while frowning at the increase in Value. Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 10% which he said is a step in the wrong direction.
“All Nigerians must reject this move, as it adds more strain on a collapsing economy. Our local investors are already struggling, with many businesses closing down due to mounting losses instead of turning profits.
“The economic policies introduced by the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are doing more harm than good, leaving the nation in a state of confusion and uncertainty. If this trend continues, survival beyond 2027 will be questionable.
“I call on the president to immediately reverse the fuel price increase. With the establishment of local refineries where we trade our crude oil in Naira and receive the refined product in return, there is no justification for selling petroleum to Nigerians at an exorbitant cost.
“The price of fuel should be able to reflect this new reality and be made affordable for all citizens”, Safeeyan added.
Similarly, the youth leader urged President Tinubu to caution security agencies against the mindless manner in which they conduct their operations, especially the arrest of some individuals without formal instruments.
“Their actions negate the principle of ideal democracy, thereby falling short of the expectations of many citizens. Again, it looks like the country is experiencing an authoritarian government following their daily conduct.”
The dividends of democracy whereby people will be able to feed their families, send their children to school, and enjoy their freedom of expression is uppermost in the minds of the Nigerian people, especially this time.
Government should be circumspect and realise that the primary duty of every government is to create an enabling environment for citizens’ well-being to thrive, ultimately.
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