₦1,400 Per Litre: Calls Grow for FG to Tackle Rising Fuel Costs

ActionAid Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to implement urgent measures to mitigate the impact of soaring fuel prices, which have climbed as high as ₦1,400 per litre in certain regions.

The organization attributed the price hike to escalating global tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, warning that the situation is pushing more Nigerians into extreme hardship.

In a statement issued in Abuja, a copy of which was obtained by Persecondnews, ActionAid Country Director Andrew Mamedu criticized the government’s lack of a coordinated response despite the crisis persisting for over a month.

He noted that while global crude oil prices have surged from roughly $75–$80 to $100 per barrel, the Nigerian public has yet to see any benefits from the increased national revenue.

While acknowledging the Oyo State Government’s ₦10,000 wage support as a minor relief effort, ActionAid’s market surveys across various states show petrol prices ranging between ₦1,200 and ₦1,400.

With diesel prices also remaining prohibitively high, the group warned that the resulting spike in transport and food costs is rapidly accelerating poverty levels across the country.

It added that workers, farmers, transport operators, students, and small business owners are the most affected.

Many small businesses are reducing operations or shutting down because of high costs.

Households are also facing serious challenges, such as skipping meals, missing school due to transport costs, and borrowing money to survive.

Some people are also turning to unsafe transport options and informal fuel sources.

Mamedu described the situation as unacceptable, saying Nigerians should not suffer from global oil price increases without government support.

He pointed out that countries like Thailand and Indonesia have taken steps to protect their citizens by controlling fuel prices, offering subsidies, and managing energy use.

ActionAid Nigeria urged the federal government to introduce measures such as cash transfers, temporary fuel subsidies, and support for public transport.

To stabilize the domestic fuel supply, ActionAid recommends a multi-pronged approach: reducing taxes and transportation overheads, securing critical supply chains, and refining the “crude-for-naira” policy.

The organization also challenged the private sector to step up by offering employees transport subsidies, flexible work arrangements, and cost-of-living salary adjustments.

Furthermore, the group urged state and local governments to bolster community support systems to catch those falling through the cracks.

While acknowledging that global geopolitical tensions are beyond Nigeria’s control, ActionAid emphasized that the Federal Government remains responsible for shielding its citizens from the resulting economic hardship.