- Transport, Food Costs Surge As Nigerians Lament “Unbearable” Hardship Under Tinubu
There is widespread frustration across Nigeria as the price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, has risen to around ₦1,450 per litre, with citizens describing the situation as “painful, demonic and unbearable.”
The development is expected to trigger fresh hardship for millions as transportation fares, food prices and the cost of living surge nationwide.
NAIJAONPOINT reports that Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Friday announced an increase in the gantry price of petrol from ₦1,265 to ₦1,350 per litre.
The adjustment is the fourth upward review of the refinery’s gantry price since August 21. The refinery had raised the price from ₦1,165 to ₦1,185 per litre on August 21, to ₦1,200 on August 26, to ₦1,265 on August 29, and has now added another ₦85 per litre.
The latest increase comes over three years after President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023 during his swearing-in.
At the time, petrol sold for around ₦180-₦200 per litre. The policy was sold to Nigerians as a path to deregulation, increased government revenue and long-term economic stability.
However, the reverse has been the case as Nigerians battle a harsh economy, inflation and poverty. The new minimum wage of ₦70,000, approved in July 2024, is now worth less than $50 at current exchange rates of over ₦1,400/$1.
In Osogbo, the Osun State capital, NAIJAONPOINT observed that most filling stations have adjusted their pump prices. Petrol now sells between ₦1,398 and ₦1,430 per litre. The same trend was observed across other towns in the state.
Speaking with NAIJAONPOINT, a commercial driver, Akinyemi Olawale, predicted that transport unions may increase fares following the latest development.
“I bought 10 litres of fuel not too long ago for about ₦14,000 and it is so sad. We are really suffering in this country and this is coming at a time when our children are resuming school. By tomorrow, Monday, we are likely to jerk up the transport fare.
“We don’t have a choice. We also have families and we are in this situation together. Everything will increase now. You know once the price of petrol increases, it affects other commodities,” Olawale said.
A trader, Mrs Temitope Afolabi, said life had become more difficult since the current administration assumed office, adding that many households were struggling to cope with the ripple effects of rising fuel costs.
“Honestly, this new price will bring more hardship. This is not what we voted for. What we are being served is contrary to what we asked for. I urge the Federal Government to urgently intervene by stabilising fuel prices,” she said.
Across social media, Nigerians described the situation as “demonic” and “unbearable.”
Ossy Vincent, a commentator, recalled past protests during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying, “GEJ increased fuel from ₦65 to ₦145, and Occupy Nigeria shut down the country. What exactly happened to us? How did we become this dormant?”
In his reaction to the latest increment, Oloye T.D, said, “Buying petrol at $1 per litre in an oil-producing country where minimum wage is barely $50 a month is simply demonic. In the UK, 8 hours of work can fill your tank and still leave you enough to feed for the day.”
Another X user, Dr. A.H Ndanusa said the government must answer for the hardship Nigerians are facing.
“Everything is getting more expensive, yet ordinary people are expected to just keep suffering and moving on.”
A public affairs analyst, Abu Jawad, in his contribution said reforms must produce positive results and not the hardship Nigerians are currently witnessing.
“Any economic reform that takes petrol from ₦200 to ₦1,500 while wages remain stagnant deserves serious scrutiny. If fuel prices rise dramatically, government should demonstrate where the savings are going and when ordinary Nigerians can expect relief,” he said.
He added that a successful policy “should strengthen the naira, create jobs, increase purchasing power and improve citizens’ standard of living.”
Summing up the mood on the street, David Onyemaizu wrote, “No matter how much you want to rationalize it, this government has only succeeded in making poor people even poorer. No wonder more people have resorted to trekking every day.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
