The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kebbi State Directorate, has appealed to Nigerians and residents of the state to remain calm and patriotic amid ongoing changes in the retail prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The Director of the NOA in Kebbi State, Muhammed Nasir Karofi, made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Karofi explained that the fluctuations in petrol pump prices were largely a reflection of developments in the international crude oil market and other economic factors affecting the downstream petroleum sector.
He said that under the full deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector, domestic petrol prices were influenced by global supply and demand, crude oil prices, market replacement costs and foreign exchange movements.
“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,” he said.
The NOA director noted that Nigeria was not alone in experiencing the effects of rising fuel costs and broader inflationary pressures, adding that neighbouring West African countries, including Benin Republic, Niger, Togo and Cameroon, were also experiencing similar economic challenges.
He acknowledged the immediate hardship caused by petrol price increases, particularly for households, transport operators and small businesses. However, he argued that the reforms were necessary to address the country’s long-standing fiscal challenges.
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According to him, the removal of unsustainable fuel subsidies would help reduce pressure on government finances and create room for resources to be redirected to critical sectors such as infrastructure, security, education and social welfare.
Karofi further 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 public transportation initiatives and upgrading key transport facilities, including the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, to reduce commuting difficulties and transportation costs.
He added that the government was also strengthening primary healthcare through the Harmonised Health Sector Operational Plan. The measures include rehabilitation of community health facilities, medical outreach programmes and wider coverage under the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme.
According to Karofi, the state government is equally providing logistical support to security agencies to help maintain peace, protect farmlands and safeguard lives and property across the state.
He said targeted welfare initiatives, agricultural support programmes and empowerment schemes were also being implemented for vulnerable residents, women and young people across the state’s 21 local government areas.
At the national level, Karofi said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to long-term structural reforms aimed at strengthening the economy. He cited the Student Loan Scheme, improved national security infrastructure and economic diversification as some of the initiatives being pursued.
The NOA director acknowledged that economic reforms often require time before their benefits become fully visible. He urged Nigerians to exercise patience and support measures aimed at achieving sustainable development.
Karofi also called on community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders to promote civic responsibility, maintain public trust and support ongoing government initiatives as the reforms progress.
