Fuel Price Hike: Obi Urges Citizens To Demand For Transparency In NNPC Ltd Transactions

Against the backdrop of the Tuesday’s sudden hike in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol pump price from N568 -N617 per litre to N855 – N897 per litre, depending on location of their stations, the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has urged citizens to demand for transparency in NNPC Ltd Transactions.

He expressed surprise that NNPC which declared a N3 trillion profit in 2023, is coming up with a bizarre claim of “financial constraints” in supplying fuel, and the subsequent hike in fuel pump price even as the product remained unavailable to the citizens.

In his X handle, Obi noted that “The fuel scarcity crisis, characterized by endless queues, and untold hardship, is a direct result of the government’s ineptitude.”

The full text of his post reads:

“Nigerians must stop at nothing in demanding for transparency in the operations of government especially critical agencies like the state-owned NNPCL whose activities appear to be shrouded in secrecy. The conflicting reports on subsidy payments have left Nigerians in the dark, unsure of what is happening in this all important company. It is very curious that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) which declared a N3 trillion profit in 2023, is coming up with a bizarre claim of “financial constraints” in supplying fuel.

“The fuel scarcity crisis, characterized by endless queues, and untold hardship, is a direct result of the government’s ineptitude. The $20 billion Dangote Refinery and other Modular Refineries’ struggles to secure crude oil supply and NNPCL’s search for outside operators for its refineries are further proof of this administration’s gross incompetence.

“We demand a better level of transparency in NNPCL’s operations, financial dealings, and plans for the future. The Petroleum Industry Act mandates an open and transparent NNPCL, we should not stand idly by while this government violates our laws. We demand that this administration come clean on these issues and take responsibility for the mess it has created.

“We should not rest until we uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The Nigerian people deserve better. -PO”