A faction of Afenifere has urged the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices to between N350 and N400 per litre and increase the N70,000 national minimum wage to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
The group, led by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, said the proposed petrol price stabilisation mechanism, which seeks to cap the ex-gantry or landing cost at N1,350 per litre, fell short of public expectations.
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued on Sunday after the organisation’s monthly National Executive Committee meeting held in Lagos at the weekend.
The communiqué was signed by Olaitan and the group’s newly appointed substantive Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John.
“The meeting proposed an immediate review of the fuel price to between N350–N400 per litre so as to ease the general situation regarding the unaffordability of the product,” the group stated.
The Federal Government had announced plans to negotiate a N1,350-per-litre ceiling on petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost under a proposed price modulation mechanism designed to stabilise prices.
The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, said the arrangement would help cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.
However, Afenifere described the proposal as inadequate, citing persistent hardship, hunger and inflation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The meeting reviewed the general socio-political and economic situation of the country and observed that a pervasive climate of hardship, hunger and hyperinflation is yet the defining characteristic of the Tinubu presidency,” the communiqué read.
The organisation also called for an upward review of the N70,000 national minimum wage, arguing that inflation had significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power.
It said the current wage was no longer sufficient to meet workers’ needs amid rising living costs.
“The statutory minimum wage of N70,000 per month is due for an upward review so as to meet the challenges of the inflationary spiral which have rendered the minimum wage unreasonable and unfeeling in the present circumstances,” it stated.
Beyond the economy, the group expressed concern over insecurity and what it described as the government’s inadequate response to issues affecting Nigerians’ welfare.
Afenifere also condemned rising political intolerance and inflammatory remarks by politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged political actors to avoid statements capable of heightening tensions and restricting democratic participation.
The group called for civilised electioneering in line with global best practices and challenged the Federal Government to guarantee credible elections in 2027 by allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission to operate independently.
“The meeting challenged the government to ensure a free and fair 2027 general election by allowing INEC to be truly independent,” the communiqué added.
Meanwhile, the organisation approved Rotimi-John’s appointment as its substantive Secretary-General.
Those present at the meeting included Omo-Oba Supo Shonibare, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Tola Mobolurin, Bayo Adenekan, Justice Faloye, Dele Farotimi, Toyin Falade, Lanre Anjolaiya, Olayemi Olajuyinnu and Wale Balogun.
The group also expressed condolences to Leke Adefala over the death of his wife and resolved to attend the funeral ceremonies.
Discussion0