The Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by immediately rolling back the increase in petrol price.
The pump price of petrol was on Tuesday increased by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) from ₦568 to ₦855, ₦897 (depending on location) per litre.
The development has since sparked widespread reactions from various groups and individuals, many of whom have called for an immediate return to the old price.
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Joining the call in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Saheed Babajide Kehinde on Thursday, NMA Lagos said, “This unilateral decision has further imposed unbearable hardship on Nigerians, including our members, medical and dental practitioners, who are already grappling with severe economic challenges and insecurity.”
“Many of these members are being forced to leave the country due to the dismal economic situation, and this recent development will make their already dire circumstances even worse,” the statement said.
“The increase in PMS prices comes at a time when Nigerians are facing unprecedented economic pressures. The impact of this decision will ripple across all sectors, further adding to the mental, social and emotional stress that citizens are currently facing.
“With inflation rates rising and the cost of living reaching an all-time high, a sudden increase in petrol prices will not only increase poverty levels across the country but will also lead to increased rates of depression, hospitalisation due to stress-induced medical conditions, social unrest and even mortality.
“How can we rationalise a situation where doctors, who earn an average of $300 per month, are expected to handle such a huge increase in the cost of living? The recent hike in the price of PMS has worsened an already untenable economic reality for healthcare professionals and indeed all Nigerians, making it almost impossible for them to cope.
“The Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State, urges His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in this matter. We urge him to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by immediately rolling back the increase in the price of PMS.
“Such a move will provide much-needed relief to our members and the general public who are already struggling under the burden of the recent abolition of petrol subsidy, rising inflation, widespread insecurity, high electricity tariff and excessive taxation on wages.
“Furthermore, instead of continuously burdening the people with rising fuel prices, we strongly advise the Federal Government to reconsider its economic policies. It is high time Nigeria moved towards self-sufficiency in the production of petroleum products including PMS. We urge the government to accelerate efforts to end petrol importation and focus on reviving our local refineries. Additionally, addressing the persistent insecurity in the country must be our top priority if we are to create a stable environment conducive to economic growth and reduce the growing gap of hardship and poverty among Nigerians.”
The association said it remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the well-being of all of its members, who continue to provide essential healthcare services under increasingly difficult circumstances.
It added: “We believe that with decisive and sensitive leadership, Nigeria can overcome these challenges and build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”
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