NOSCEF Urges Tinubu To Reverse PMS Price Hike, Warns Of Deepening Hardship

The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reverse the latest increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), warning that the development could further worsen the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.

The forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, said Nigerians were already struggling with rising food prices, insecurity, unemployment, transportation costs and declining purchasing power, arguing that another increase in the cost of petroleum products would place additional pressure on households.

NOSCEF questioned the rationale for further increasing the cost of living at a time when many families were finding it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs. It urged the Federal Government to explore sustainable sources of revenue rather than repeatedly transferring the burden of financing government programmes to citizens.

The group also called on the President to use the remaining period of his administration to prioritise measures capable of restoring purchasing power, creating jobs, improving security and addressing the deterioration of critical infrastructure.

According to NOSCEF, the welfare of Nigerians should take precedence over political considerations ahead of future elections. It acknowledged that the Tinubu administration had made efforts in some areas but said the continuing hardship across the country showed that more urgent interventions were required.

The Christian elders further cautioned government officials against shielding the President from the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians, saying their members live and work among citizens and experience the economic difficulties firsthand.

“From hunger and insecurity to unemployment, infrastructural decay and declining purchasing power, Nigerians are facing a profound sense of uncertainty and hopelessness,” the forum said, urging the government to respond with “empathy, urgency and practical solutions.”

NOSCEF consequently called on the Federal Government to urgently review the latest PMS pump-price increase, introduce measures to reduce the cost of living, create productive economic opportunities for young Nigerians and intensify efforts to tackle insecurity.

The forum also urged the government to accelerate the provision and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and ensure that the welfare of Nigerians remains central to major economic decisions.

NOSCEF warned that the patience of Nigerians should not be interpreted as acceptance of perpetual hardship, stressing that the government must listen to citizens and take decisive steps to prevent further deterioration in living conditions.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the suffering of one Nigerian should concern every responsible leader,” the forum said.