…Seek Emergency Relief for Citizens
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to reverse the recent increase in pump prices and to implement immediate measures to stabilize the costs of petrol and cooking gas.
This includes targeted interventions such as temporary price relief, tax reductions, and subsidies on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for low-income households.
Additionally, the House urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and other relevant agencies to accelerate the repair and maintenance of domestic refineries.
This effort aims to boost local refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products as a temporary measure.
These resolutions were reached following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance regarding the “Urgent need to suspend the increased cost of petrol and cooking gas in the country and provide a stop-gap.” The motion was moved by House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, alongside 111 other lawmakers.
During the debate, Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Aliyu Madaki emphasized that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation, has traditionally relied on petroleum products and cooking gas as vital energy sources for both domestic and industrial use.
He raised concerns over the recent surge in petrol and cooking gas prices, which have placed an unsustainable financial burden on ordinary Nigerians and worsened the cost of living.
Madaki noted that the removal of fuel subsidies, combined with global oil price fluctuations and the depreciation of the Naira, has significantly contributed to the rising costs of petrol and cooking gas.
He remarked, “I am worried that the escalating fuel and gas prices are impacting the cost of transportation, food, essential goods, and healthcare, further increasing inflation and pushing many families into deeper financial hardship.”
He added, “Further concerned that businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are struggling to manage their operational costs due to increased fuel prices, threatening economic stability and job security.”
Acknowledging the Federal Government’s previous announcements to repair domestic refineries and enhance local refining capacity, Madaki noted that these efforts have yet to yield significant results.
The lawmakers expressed that the soaring costs of petrol and cooking gas threaten the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. They warned that unchecked inflationary pressure from rising prices could lead to social unrest, increased poverty rates, and long-term negative economic impacts.
“Unless urgent and pragmatic steps are taken to control the rising cost of petrol and cooking gas, the nation will enter an economic crisis that could lead to increased crime and mortality rates,” he stated.
The House unanimously adopted the motion, urging the Federal Government to explore alternative energy sources and diversify the country’s energy mix to lessen reliance on petrol and gas, advocating for renewable energy solutions that are more sustainable and affordable in the long run.
Additionally, the lawmakers encouraged state governments to adopt policies that reduce the financial burden on their citizens, such as waiving taxes or levies on transportation and goods impacted by high fuel costs.
Finally, the House mandated its special ad hoc committee investigating fuel price increases to conduct an investigation and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
