Nigeria’s Fuel Price Hike Sparks Outrage from Muslim Rights Concern

In a statement, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to roll back the recent price hike of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol. The organization has also called for the company to allow Dangote Refinery to operate freely without interference.

According to MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, Nigerians are facing severe hardship due to the removal of fuel subsidy, which has led to a significant increase in the price of petrol. The statement noted that inflation has made life difficult for many, particularly after the subsidy removal, which has shot the price of petrol to the rooftop.

Akintola emphasized that Nigerians were assured of relief when Dangote Refinery starts to function, but the recent actions of NNPCL have rendered Dangote Refinery helpless. The company has effectively taken control of Dangote’s fuel, allowing it to determine the price of the product. This, according to MURIC, is an "ambush" and a "punch below the belt."

The organization views NNPCL’s actions as anti-people, immoral, and lacking in conscience. It notes that the prices of most products, particularly food items, are tied to the price of petroleum. The removal of fuel subsidy has had a ripple effect on the economy, leading to hunger and hardship for many Nigerians.

MURIC’s statement has sparked outrage among Nigerians, who are calling for the government to take immediate action to address the fuel price hike and its impact on the economy. The organization’s demands have added to the growing discontent among citizens, who are demanding better governance and more effective solutions to the country’s economic challenges.