Nigeria “Unfortunate and Insensitive”: Obi Slams Government Over Fuel Price Hike

Peter Obi condemns the recent fuel price hike by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, which increased petrol prices from ₦897 to ₦1,030 per litre. He calls the decision “unfortunate and insensitive,” urging President Bola Tinubu to provide clarity and reverse the increase amid worsening economic conditions for Nigerians.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate for the 2023 election, has expressed strong condemnation of the recent fuel price increase in Nigeria. Following the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)'s announcement raising petrol prices from ₦897 to ₦1,030 per litre, Obi characterized the hike as “unfortunate and insensitive.” This change marks the second price increase within a month, with the previous rise from ₦615 to ₦897 occurring in September.

In a tweet on Saturday, Obi criticized the government's approach to economic management, stating, “As Nigerians continue to groan under extremely difficult economic conditions...the NNPCL has once again raised the price of fuel without providing any explanation.” He called on President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as Minister of Petroleum, to clarify the situation and consider reversing the hike.

Obi further lamented the lack of compassion in this decision, saying, “This is neither how an economy’s resources should be managed nor how a nation should be governed.” He questioned the roles of the NNPCL and regulatory agencies under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, emphasizing the need for accountability.

He urged the government to act swiftly for the sake of Nigerians suffering under harsh economic conditions, asserting that a compassionate Nigeria is possible. Obi's remarks highlight growing public discontent over economic policies and the impact of rising fuel prices on daily life.