The National Orientation Agency has appealed to Nigerians, particularly residents of Kebbi State, to remain calm amid recent fluctuations in the retail prices of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.
The agency also called on citizens to give the Federal and Kebbi State governments room to implement measures aimed at cushioning the impact of rising living costs.
The Director of the NOA in Kebbi State, Muhammed Nasir-Karofi, made the appeal in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Monday and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Nasir-Karofi attributed the changing petrol prices to movements in the international crude oil market, as well as other factors affecting the downstream petroleum sector.
He explained that under the deregulated pricing system, pump prices were influenced by global supply conditions, crude oil prices, replacement costs and foreign exchange movements.
According to him, similar price adjustments and inflationary pressures are being experienced in other West African countries, including Benin Republic, Niger, Togo and Cameroon.
While acknowledging the pressure the price changes could place on households and small businesses, the NOA director said the reforms were necessary to improve the country’s fiscal position.
He said the removal of unsustainable fuel subsidies would reduce pressure on government finances and allow more resources to be channelled into infrastructure, security, education and social welfare.
Nasir-Karofi said the Kebbi State Government, led by Governor Nasir Idris, had introduced various measures to mitigate the effects of the economic challenges on residents.
He listed the initiatives to include strengthening mass transit programmes and upgrading major transport facilities, including the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, to reduce transportation costs.
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He added that the state government was also improving primary healthcare services through the Harmonised Health Sector Operational Plan, while rehabilitating health facilities, conducting medical outreaches and expanding access to the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.
On security, Nasir-Karofi said the state government was providing logistical and operational support to security agencies to maintain peace, protect farmlands and safeguard lives and property.
He further said welfare programmes, agricultural support schemes and empowerment initiatives were being implemented for vulnerable residents, women and youths across the state’s 21 local government areas.
At the federal level, he said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was pursuing structural reforms designed to strengthen the economy and improve public services.
He cited the Student Loan Scheme, investments in national security and efforts to diversify the economy as some of the initiatives being pursued by the Federal Government.
The NOA director stressed that economic reforms required time to produce their full benefits, urging citizens to exercise patience despite the immediate difficulties.
He called on community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and other Nigerians to support ongoing reforms and maintain confidence in government initiatives.
“NOA is, therefore, urging all community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and citizens to maintain trust, embrace civic patience and support ongoing government initiatives as these crucial reforms reach full fruition,” he said.