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ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Action on Fuel Price Increases, Calls for Economic Reform
ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Action on Fuel Price Increases, Calls for Economic Reform
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the latest hike in pump price of petroleum products, demanding immediate action from the government on economic reform
The Non Governmental Organisation said increasing the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 was never enough to bring economic succour
ActionAid, in a statement on Wednesday signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu asked that: “The Federal Government must prioritise the welfare of Nigerian Citizens over revenue generation and provide a comprehensive plan to protect vulnerable citizens and support small businesses within 48 hours. This plan must include measures to mitigate the impact of high fuel prices on the poor and vulnerable.”
Mamedu lamented that: “Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the removal of fuel subsidies has led to a harsh economic reality for many Nigerians. Despite efforts to recover, the Federal Government’s decision to allow fuel prices to surge again has worsened the situation, leading to a ripple effect on the economy.
“In May 2023, just before President Tinubu’s inauguration, petrol prices were already high at N185 per litre, causing widespread discontent among Nigerians due to the accompanying high cost of goods. However, on his first day in office, fuel prices skyrocketed to N500 per litre, leading to a sharp surge in the prices of essential commodities.
“Since then, fuel prices have continued to rise steadily. By August 2023, it reached N626.70 and continued to fluctuate, surmounting N668.3 in January 2024 and N770.54 in July 2024. As of September 2024, it has increased again to a staggering N897 per litre, which greatly worsens the situation for many Nigerians.”
He noted that: “Clearly, Nigeria’s fuel pricing is heavily influenced by the dollar-to-naira exchange rate due to the country’s reliance on imported fuel, which is denominated in US dollars (USD). Consequently, a depreciation of the naira against the dollar leads to higher fuel import costs, resulting in increased prices at the pump as well.
“This direct correlation between exchange rates and fuel prices makes Nigeria’s fuel pricing vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations. Any changes in the dollar-to-naira rate will have a ripple effect on fuel import costs, ultimately impacting the prices consumers pay at the pump, and highlighting the need for a more stable exchange rate to mitigate the volatility in fuel pricing.”
He added that: “It is one thing to fix an impending problem of inflation in the economy, and it is another thing to provide temporary solutions to keep the mouths of Nigerians shut. Although the minimum wage has increased from N30,000 to N70,000, it fails to address the root causes of inflation and does little to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, who continue to bear the brunt of skyrocketing commodity prices, particularly fuel costs. We need a comprehensive and sustainable solution, not just a quick fix to silence the masses.”
On the latest increase, Mamedu said: “ActionAid Nigeria strongly condemns this development, which will push millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty. We demand transparency in fuel pricing, including a clear breakdown of costs and revenues associated with fuel imports, refining, and distribution. The Federal Government must provide a detailed explanation of the fuel pricing mechanism to ensure accountability and trust.
“To address the root causes of this crisis, we also demand the establishment of an independent committee to monitor fuel pricing and ensure transparency. This committee must include representatives from civil society, the private sector, and government agencies. Additionally, the Federal Government must invest in Nigerian refineries and provide targeted support to vulnerable citizens and small businesses affected by fuel price increases.”
He said: “Concurrently, the Federal Government must implement a comprehensive economic reform plan as soon as possible, including measures to diversify the economy, increase foreign exchange earnings, and stabilize the naira. This plan should include specific targets and timelines for reducing inflation, improving foreign investment, and promoting local production. We demand transparency and regular progress updates to ensure accountability and build trust with the citizens.”
Mamedu warned that: “ActionAid Nigeria will hold the government accountable for their actions and demand a better future for all Nigerians. We will take all necessary actions to ensure that the government is held accountable to Nigerian citizens.”
ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Action on Fuel Price Increases, Calls for Economic Reform
News
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have killed one person and injured three others in an attack on Shonong community in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a sustained reprisal attack linked to an earlier livestock-related incident.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 8:40 p.m. on April 19 when the armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.
The sources said the assault was believed to be in retaliation over the killing of nine livestock in the area, an incident that had heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in the locality.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) deployed in the area reportedly came under fire while responding to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to withdraw after a heavy exchange of fire.
Reinforcement teams were later deployed and moved into the community to stabilise the situation and restore order.
According to the sources, the attackers killed a woman identified as Mrs Fibi Solomon, while three others — Mr Solomon, Master Jacob Solomon and Miss Jacobeth Solomon — sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for treatment, alongside the remains of the deceased.
Troops also rescued 12 civilians comprising three men, six women and three children, who were relocated to nearby Fang village for safety.
Security sources added that troops had intensified pursuit operations to track down the fleeing attackers, while the general area remained calm but tense.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
By: Yahqya Wakili
The immediate past secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni, today paid a condolence visit to Senator Musa Mustapha, senator representing Yobe East in the National Assembly, following the death of his mother-in-law, the late Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by his press secretary, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the state capital.
During the visit, the former secretary to the state government, Baba Malam Wali mni, offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.
He urged the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude, noting that death is inevitable and a path that every mortal must take.
Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin passed away yesterday, Thursday, 16th April 2026, in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic injunction.
Baba Malam Wali further prayed to Almighty Allah SWT to forgive the shortcomings of the late Hajiya Fatima, have mercy on her, and grant her Al-Jannatul Fiddausi as her final abode.
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.
The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.
Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.
Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.
Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
Angry youths, women attack soldiers, burn military checkpoint in Plateau over killing of villager
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
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