The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kebbi State Directorate, has appealed to Nigerians and residents of Kebbi State to remain calm and patriotic amid ongoing fluctuations in the retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The appeal was made by the Kebbi State Director of the NOA, Muhammed Nasir Karofi, in a statement made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
Karofi explained that the changing petrol pump prices were largely a reflection of movements in crude oil prices on the international market, alongside other factors affecting the downstream petroleum sector.
He said that under the deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector, domestic petrol prices were influenced by global supply dynamics, market replacement costs and foreign exchange movements.
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According to him, the situation was not peculiar to Nigeria, as other West African countries, including Benin Republic, Niger, Togo and Cameroon, were also experiencing similar price adjustments and inflationary pressures.
The NOA director acknowledged the hardship that the price changes have imposed on households and small businesses, but maintained that the Federal Government’s reforms were necessary to address long-standing fiscal challenges.
He said the removal of unsustainable fuel subsidies would help reduce government expenditure and create room for resources to be redirected towards infrastructure, security, education and social welfare.
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Karofi also highlighted measures being implemented by the Kebbi State Government under Governor Nasir Idris to cushion the impact of the economic situation on residents.
He said the state government was expanding mass transit initiatives and upgrading major transport facilities, including the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, to reduce transportation costs for citizens.
He added that the government was strengthening primary healthcare delivery through the Harmonised Health Sector Operational Plan, rehabilitation of community health facilities, medical outreaches and expanded coverage under the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.
According to him, the state government is also providing logistical and operational support to security agencies to help maintain peace, protect farmlands and safeguard lives and property across the state.
Karofi further disclosed that targeted welfare programmes, agricultural support initiatives and empowerment schemes were being implemented for vulnerable groups, women and youths across Kebbi’s 21 local government areas.
At the national level, he said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to implementing structural reforms aimed at improving the country’s economic outlook.
He cited the Student Loan Scheme, strengthened national security infrastructure and efforts towards economic diversification among the initiatives of the administration.
While acknowledging that economic reforms require time to produce their full benefits, Karofi urged Nigerians to exercise patience and continue to support measures aimed at achieving sustainable development.
He called on community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and other citizens to maintain peace, trust and civic responsibility while the government’s reforms take effect.
Karofi stressed that the temporary difficulties being experienced were part of the adjustment process towards achieving a more sustainable economy and improved public services.
