The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently reverse the latest increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), saying the development will further worsen the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, NOSCEF expressed concern over the rising cost of living, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, transportation costs and declining purchasing power of households across the country.
The forum questioned the decision to increase the cost of petroleum products at a time when millions of Nigerians are already struggling to meet their basic needs.
According to NOSCEF, if the Federal Government requires additional revenue to finance its programmes and obligations, it should explore sustainable and less burdensome alternatives rather than repeatedly transferring the cost to citizens.
The group urged President Tinubu to use the remaining period of his administration to focus on measures that would ease the suffering of Nigerians, restore purchasing power, create jobs, strengthen security and address the deterioration of critical infrastructure.
NOSCEF acknowledged that the administration had made efforts in some areas, but maintained that the continuing hardship across the country showed that more needed to be done.
The forum also appealed to the President to remain connected to the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, noting that its members live and work among the people and experience the challenges confronting communities.
It called on the Federal Government to review and reverse the latest PMS price increase, reduce the cost of living, create productive opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity, and accelerate the rehabilitation and provision of critical infrastructure.
NOSCEF further cautioned that the patience of Nigerians should not be mistaken for acceptance of perpetual hardship, urging the government to demonstrate empathy, listen to citizens and take decisive action.
The forum said the welfare of Nigerians must remain at the centre of major economic decisions.
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