NOA urges calm as petrol prices fluctuate

The National Orientation Agency, Kebbi Directorate, has urged Nigerians and the people of the state to remain calm over the dynamic price adjustments of Premium Motor Spirit.

The agency also appealed to residents to allow the Federal and Kebbi Governments to continue to implement various social interventions.

The NOA Director in Kebbi, Muhammed Nasir-Karofi, made the appeal in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Monday.

Nasir-Karofi explained that the current fluctuations in petrol retail pump prices were a direct reflection of crude oil price movements on the international market.

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.

According to him, eliminating unsustainable subsidies prevents fiscal drain and boosts government solvency, ensuring funds are redirected toward public infrastructure, security, education, and social welfare.

The director observed that in response to these national economic dynamics, the Kebbi government, under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, “is implementing targeted social protection and mitigation measures across the state.”

He disclosed that such social interventions include Mass Transit Support by expanding public transport initiatives and upgrading major transport hubs, such as the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, to ease commuting costs for citizens.

Nasir-Karofi added that the government was strengthening primary healthcare systems under the Harmonised Health Sector Operational Plan, rehabilitating health facilities, conducting medical outreaches and broadening coverage under the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.

“The state government is sustaining logistical and operational backing for security agencies to maintain peace, secure farmlands and safeguard lives and property throughout the state.

“Launching targeted welfare interventions, agricultural support schemes, and empowerment programmes for vulnerable groups, women and youth across all 21 Local Government Areas.

“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.

Nasir-Karofi, who acknowledged that economic policy shifts require time to mature, noted that the temporary difficulties being experienced today would pave the way for sustainable national development and enhanced public services.

He added, “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.”

NAN