YFBI Faults Selective Petrol Price Reduction, Demands Equal Relief

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Youths for Better Initiative (YFBI) has criticised the proposed reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for commercial vehicles, describing the reported selective measure as unfair and potentially divisive.

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that any reduction in petrol prices benefits all Nigerians, irrespective of whether they use private or commercial vehicles.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Raufu Sodiq, popularly known as Oluomo Success, the organisation expressed concern that restricting the proposed price reduction to commercial vehicle operators would leave private vehicle owners and other categories of consumers to contend with the high cost of fuel.

YFBI argued that the economic difficulties associated with the removal of petrol subsidy had affected Nigerians across different occupations and income groups, insisting that measures intended to ease the burden should not discriminate between categories of motorists.

The group recalled Tinubu’s declaration of subsidy removal on May 29, 2023, shortly after his inauguration, saying the policy had contributed to rising transportation costs, increased prices of goods and services, and mounting pressure on households and small businesses.

According to the organisation, Nigerians had endured years of economic hardship in the expectation that the sacrifices associated with subsidy removal would eventually lead to improved living conditions.

It, however, questioned the rationale behind a proposed reduction targeted at commercial vehicles, arguing that private motorists, e-hailing drivers and farmers who use their vehicles for business activities also face the consequences of high petrol prices.

“Is the private car owner who queues for hours to buy PMS at over N1,000 per litre not a citizen? Is the young graduate who uses his car for e-hailing to feed his family not suffering the same hardship your government imposed?” the group asked.

It added that farmers who rely on vehicles to transport produce from farms to markets should also be considered in any policy designed to reduce the burden of fuel costs.

YFBI further questioned the economic justification for the abrupt removal of subsidy in 2023, arguing that the consideration of a partial reversal raised concerns about the original implementation of the policy.

“If PMS price must be returned, let it be returned for all Nigerians, not for a political constituency,” the statement said.

The organisation also expressed concern that the reported proposal could be perceived as politically motivated, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually approach.

It warned against the use of economic relief measures for political advantage, urging the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of citizens and adopt policies based on fairness, consistency and accountability.

“Politics must not be placed ahead of the fundamental welfare and enjoyment of the Nigerian people,” the group said, adding that the country needed a government that would address economic challenges comprehensively rather than introduce measures that benefit only selected groups.

While acknowledging the President’s mandate to govern, YFBI said economic policies should reflect the interests of Nigerians across social and economic divides.

The group called on Tinubu to reconsider the reported arrangement and ensure that any reduction in petrol prices is extended to all consumers.

It maintained that a fair and inclusive approach to economic relief would help promote national unity and restore public confidence in the government’s economic policies.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us,” the statement added.

The statement was signed by Comrade Raufu Sodiq, chairman of the Youths for Better Initiative.