Petrol Price Changes: NOA Urges Nigerians to Support Economic Reforms
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kebbi State Directorate, has called on Nigerians to remain calm and patriotic amid continuing adjustments in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.
The appeal was made by the state Director of the agency, Muhammed Nasir Karofi, in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi.
Karofi said the recent movement in petrol prices was linked to developments in the international crude oil market as well as changes in foreign exchange and other market conditions.
He explained that following the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, petrol prices in Nigeria are now affected by global supply and demand, crude oil prices and the cost of replacing petroleum products in the domestic market.
The NOA director noted that similar economic pressures were being experienced in other West African countries, including Benin, Niger, Togo and Cameroon.
While acknowledging that higher fuel prices had placed additional financial pressure on families and small businesses, Karofi said the reforms were necessary to improve the country’s long-term fiscal position.
He explained that removing costly and unsustainable subsidies would reduce pressure on government finances and allow more resources to be channelled into infrastructure, education, security and social programmes.
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Karofi also highlighted measures being taken by the Kebbi State Government to lessen the impact of the economic situation on residents.
He said the administration of Governor Nasir Idris was expanding public transportation initiatives and improving major transport facilities, including the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, to help reduce transportation costs.
The state government, he added, was strengthening primary healthcare through the Harmonised Health Sector Operational Plan. This includes rehabilitation of community health facilities, medical outreaches and increased access to the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.
According to him, the government is also supporting security agencies with logistics to enable them protect communities, farmlands, lives and property.
He further disclosed that welfare programmes, agricultural support and empowerment initiatives were being targeted at vulnerable groups, women and youths across the state’s 21 local government areas.
At the federal level, Karofi said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was pursuing structural reforms designed to strengthen the economy, including the Student Loan Scheme, improved security infrastructure and economic diversification.
He urged Nigerians to exercise patience, noting that major economic reforms could take time before their full benefits became evident.
Karofi called on community leaders, civil society groups, youth organisations and citizens to promote peace, civic responsibility and confidence in the reform process.
