Doguwa Urges FG, NNPCL To Revert To Previous Petrol Price
Alhassan Doguwa, a lawmaker representing Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency in Kano State, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to revert to the old pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. In a statement released on Thursday, Doguwa expressed concern over the escalating fuel prices, which have surged since the removal of the fuel subsidy, affecting the daily lives of Nigerians.
Fuel scarcity worsened earlier in the week, with long queues forming in major cities. Black market operators capitalized on the situation, selling fuel at exorbitant rates of up to N1,500 per litre. Official prices at NNPCL mega stations in Abuja and Lagos reached N880 per litre, while independent marketers sold petrol between N950 and N970 per litre.
Doguwa, who chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), described the situation as unacceptable, highlighting how private companies are exploiting the gaps in the system for profit at the expense of ordinary Nigerians. He urged the government and NNPCL to prioritize the citizens’ welfare by suspending the recent price hike and reverting to the previous pump price.
“As a committee, we urge the Nigerian government and NNPCL to consider the plight of Nigerians and suspend this recent increase in pump price. Nigerians are going through a lot, and adding to this burden is not in our collective best interest,” Doguwa stated.
The lawmaker also pledged his committee’s commitment to addressing the revenue loss caused by crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He emphasized the need for collaboration with community leaders and security agencies to secure oil infrastructure and prevent further disruptions in fuel supply.
Doguwa further encouraged Nigerians to give the President Tinubu-led administration a chance to reposition the oil and gas sector. He noted that with the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act and efforts to revive refineries, particularly in Port Harcourt and Warri, the country would soon overcome its current challenges and benefit from its oil and gas resources.
“We may be suffering today, but our tomorrow will be better,” Doguwa remarked, expressing optimism that the government’s interventions, though painful now, would ultimately lead to a prosperous future for Nigeria. He urged patience and support for President Tinubu’s vision of a thriving oil and gas sector that benefits all citizens.
