The National Orientation Agency has called for calm among Nigerians as petrol pump prices continue to experience changes across the country.
The Kebbi State Directorate of the agency also appealed to residents to support ongoing efforts by the Federal and state governments to ease the impact of current economic challenges.
The Director of NOA in Kebbi, Muhammed Nasir-Karofi, made the appeal in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Monday and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria.
He attributed the movement in petrol prices to changes in the international crude oil market, as well as factors affecting the deregulated downstream petroleum sector.
“Under the full deregulation framework of the petroleum downstream sector, local prices shift in tandem with global supply dynamics, market replacement costs and foreign exchange factors.
“This economic reality is not isolated to Nigeria. Neighbouring West African nations, including Benin, Niger, Togo and Cameroon, are experiencing similar price recalibrations and inflationary pressures.
“While the federal government fully acknowledges the immediate economic hardship these price changes place on households and small businesses, these tough reforms are essential to securing the nation’s financial health,” he said.
Nasir-Karofi said the removal of fuel subsidies was necessary to reduce the financial burden on government and free up resources for other sectors, including infrastructure, security, education and social welfare.
He said Kebbi State had also introduced measures designed to reduce the pressure on residents, particularly through transportation, healthcare, security and empowerment programmes.
According to him, the state government is expanding public transportation initiatives and upgrading facilities such as the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park to help reduce commuting expenses.
The director further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to improve primary healthcare services through facility rehabilitation, medical outreaches and increased access to the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.
He said the state was equally supporting security agencies with logistics and other operational needs to protect residents, farmlands and property.
Nasir-Karofi added that agricultural assistance, welfare packages and empowerment programmes were being implemented for vulnerable residents, women and youths across the 21 local government areas of the state.
“At the national level, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to long-term structural improvements.
“Key achievements under these reforms include stabilising tertiary education funding through the Student Loan Scheme, strengthening national security infrastructure and driving economic diversification,” the director stated.
He acknowledged that the effects of major economic reforms may take time to become fully visible, but maintained that the measures were aimed at achieving stronger economic stability and better public services in the long run.
“NOA is, therefore, urging all community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and citizens to maintain trust, embrace civic patience and support ongoing government initiatives as these crucial reforms reach full fruition.”
