Vice President Kashim Shettima has summoned the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, over the recent hike in petrol prices.
The meeting, held at the State House in Abuja, comes amid widespread condemnation of the price increase, which has seen petrol prices soar to ₦855-₦897 per liter, depending on location. The hike has sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many accusing the government of exacerbating the country’s economic woes.
_Fuel Scarcity and Price Hike Spark Nationwide Outrage_
The price increase, announced by NNPCL on Tuesday, has led to fuel scarcity and long queues at petrol stations. Private suppliers are selling fuel at even higher prices, up to ₦1,200 per liter. The government’s decision to raise prices has been criticized by various groups, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Labour Unions Demand Reversal of Price Hike
NLC President Joe Ajaero has condemned the fuel price hike, accusing the government of betraying the labour movement. He demanded an immediate reversal of the price increase and called for an end to policies that exacerbate hunger and insecurity.
The meeting between Vice President Shettima and key stakeholders is seen as a move to address the crisis and find solutions to the country’s fuel challenges.