By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council (NENYLC) has voiced serious concern over the recent spike in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), highlighting the growing economic strain on citizens nationwide.
The youth group, in a statement issued on Thursday, criticized NNPCL’s repeated price hikes over the past year, despite declining global fuel prices.
They attributed the increased cost of petrol to what they see as the mismanagement of the corporation, singling out NNPCL’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Mele Kyari, as bearing responsibility for the difficulties citizens face.
Signed by NENYLC President General, Comrade Terry Obieh, and Organizing Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal, the statement called for Kyari’s immediate removal from office.
“The current high cost of petrol is impacting every aspect of Nigerian society,” the leaders said, “leading to increased transportation fares, inflated food prices, and escalated costs of basic goods and services.”
NENYLC warned that the hardship is particularly severe for Nigerian youth, low-income earners, and vulnerable populations, worsening social inequalities and economic stagnation.
“Many families are struggling to make ends meet,” they stated, “and businesses are at risk of closure, pushing more Nigerians below the poverty line.”
The group also urged the Nigerian government to reconsider the country’s fuel pricing structure, subsidies, and management practices to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
They recommended policies that would make fuel affordable for all Nigerians and advocated for investments in alternative energy sources to lessen the country’s reliance on expensive fossil fuels.
“Ensuring affordable fuel is not just an economic obligation; it’s a matter of social justice and national stability,” NENYLC emphasized, appealing to the government to “prioritize citizens’ welfare over profit margins.”
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