The National Orientation Agency, Kebbi State Directorate, has urged Nigerians to remain calm amid fluctuations in the retail prices of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.
The agency also appealed to residents to give the Federal and Kebbi State governments room to continue implementing measures aimed at cushioning the impact of the economic situation.
The NOA Director in Kebbi, Muhammed Nasir-Karofi, made the appeal in a statement released in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Nasir-Karofi explained that the changes in petrol pump prices were linked to movements in crude oil prices on the international market, as well as other factors affecting the petroleum sector.
He said that under the deregulated downstream petroleum market, local petrol prices were influenced by global supply conditions, replacement costs and foreign exchange movements.
According to him, similar price adjustments and inflationary pressures are being experienced in neighbouring West African countries, including Benin, Niger, Togo and Cameroon.
While acknowledging that the price changes had created immediate financial pressure on households and small businesses, the NOA director said the Federal Government considered the reforms necessary to improve the country’s fiscal position.
He said the removal of fuel subsidies was intended to reduce government expenditure 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, was also implementing measures aimed at reducing the impact of rising costs on residents.
He listed some of the interventions as mass transit support, expansion of public transportation initiatives and the upgrading of major transport facilities, including the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park.
The state government, he added, was also strengthening primary healthcare through the Harmonised Health Sector Operational Plan, rehabilitating health facilities, conducting medical outreaches and expanding access to the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.
He further stated that the government was providing logistical and operational support to security agencies to improve security, protect farmlands and safeguard lives and property across the state.
Other measures, according to him, include welfare interventions, agricultural support schemes and empowerment programmes targeting vulnerable groups, women and youths across the state’s 21 local government areas.
At the national level, Nasir-Karofi said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to long-term economic and structural reforms, including improving tertiary education funding through the student loan scheme, strengthening national security and promoting economic diversification.
He acknowledged that economic reforms could take time to produce their intended results, urging Nigerians to exercise patience as the government implemented its policies.
The NOA director called on community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and other citizens to remain calm and support initiatives aimed at addressing the country’s economic challenges.
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