* As NANS vows to resist further hike
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and marketers have denied rumours of petrol price increase to N1,200 per litre in Nigeria, describing it as mere speculation.
Reports on Wednesday had claimed that petrol marketers under the aegis of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) clashed with the NNPC over fuel subsidy.
But the NNPC spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, affirmed that fuel subsidy has been removed.
He stated: “NNPC Ltd emphasizes that it has not clashed with any party. The publication sought confirmation on the alleged subsidy reduction, to which NNPC responded that subsidy has been entirely removed.”
Reports further quoted the Treasurer of IPMAN Board of Trustees, Chinedu Okonkwo, as saying: “It is not true that the price of petrol has been increased. Those saying so are merely speculating.”
In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu had declared that the subsidy era is gone.
Indeed most marketers are still selling petrol at between N600 and N630 per litre in Lagos and environs.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest Zone has warned the NNPCL against increasing the pump price of petrol to N1,200 per litre as being canvassed by some people and groups.
The Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Alao John; Secretary, Comrade Sanni Olamide; and the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Comrade Bamigboye Oluwadamilola, warned through a statement that the idea of another price hike being mooted by some marketers is ill-conceived.
The NANS noted that its stance is rooted in the organization’s deep concern about the potential exacerbation of economic hardships already faced by citizens.
“Nigeria has been grappling with economic challenges, and any move that might further burden its citizens will be met with resistance. The proposal to remove fuel subsidies and fix petrol prices significantly higher than the current rates has already ignited a nationwide debate.
“The leadership of NANS Southwest Zone D, representing the student community in the region, has taken a resolute stand against these proposed measures. We argue that such actions could worsen the economic plight of ordinary Nigerians who are already grappling with rising costs of living and limited financial resource.”