The House of Representatives has asked the federal government to reverse the pump price of petrol and cooking gas through targeted subsidy.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent importance moved by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) and 111 others during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Parallfact earlier reported last week, the pump price of petrol rose to N998 and N1,030 per litre after NNPC Limited announced the end of the sole offtaker arrangement with the Dangote Refinery.
Moving the motion, Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano), stated that “the rising cost of petrol and cooking gas poses a significant threat to the livelihood of millions of Nigerians. The unchecked inflationary pressure caused by the increased prices could lead to social unrest, increased poverty, and other negative long-term effects.”
He further warned, “Unless urgent and pragmatic steps are taken to control the rising cost of petrol and cooking gas, the nation will face an economic crisis, resulting in increased crime rates and mortality.”
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Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) raised a point of order, noting that a joint committee of the National Assembly is already reviewing the entire downstream sector and the subsidy regime.
However, this was met with opposition from the minority bench, who attempted to shout Mr Soli down.
Speaking in support of the motion, the Minority Whip, Isa Ali (PDP, Gombe), argued that petrol prices impact all sectors of the economy, particularly inflation.
“The people are suffering due to the fuel price increase. The government should allow the people to breathe and should not remove the little oxygen cylinder giving Nigerians relief.
“The government should listen to the cries of the people and take steps to review any policy that negatively affects Nigerians. Those who signed this motion believe that Nigerians are suffering,” he said.
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