Petrol Price Increase Has Placed a Massive Burden on Nigerians, CAN Informs FG

The Christian organisation asked the Federal Government to take steps that “alleviate rather than exacerbate Nigerians’ existing poverty level.”

According to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the increase in the price of petrol caused by the elimination of fuel subsidies has imposed an immense burden on Nigerians.

As a result, the Christian body requested that the Federal Government promptly alleviate the hardships being experienced by the already burdened populace.

In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN stated that while the removal of fuel subsidies is unavoidable if the Nigerian economy is to enjoy sustainable growth, it must be done in such a way that Nigerians are not put to immeasurable pain.

“Against the backdrop of recent unprecedented increases in fuel prices and alarming inflation, the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria wishes to express its deepest concerns about the hardships faced by Nigerians, and calls for immediate steps to prevailing mitigate the situation.”

“While Nigerians were still trying to adjust to the initial increase in the fuel price to N540 and its subsequent effect on the cost of transportation, food, goods and services, and the general cost of living,” he stated.

“This has placed an enormous burden on the already struggling masses, widening the gap between the rich and the poor and drastically eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, making it extremely difficult for them to afford the basic necessities of life.” For millions of Nigerians who are already poor, the situation is simply terrible.”

The Christian organisation asked President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise efforts to “alleviate rather than exacerbate Nigerians’ existing poverty level and hardships.”

CAN encouraged the government to focus on diversifying the economy, lowering reliance on risky commodities, and encouraging investments in areas.

The government’s proposed fuel subsidy palliatives should go beyond cash transfers and consider instituting mass transportation across states to cut transportation costs. According to the body, the multiplier effect of this will be significant.

“The government should take steps to reduce the cost of fuel.” Such actions should include the elimination of needless levies and tariffs on imported petroleum products, the stabilisation of the foreign exchange market, and the restoration of our local refineries to operational and effective use.”