By Omoh Abejoye

Prominent socio-cultural organizations have urged the Nigerian government to reverse the recent hike in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices, warning of dire consequences if the increase remains.

In separate interviews with YouDonHear? on Saturday, leaders from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and Arewa Youths expressed concerns about the rising cost of fuel, insisting that the government must act swiftly to restore the previous price.

“We cannot continue to watch as this situation devastates the economy. The government must step in and revert to the old price to avoid further hardship for the masses,” said Chief Emmanuel Eze of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The price of petrol surged from the official N600 per litre to over N855 this week, with some states witnessing prices as high as N1,400 per litre.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) attributed the hike to market forces, but this explanation has done little to calm growing public unrest.

Afenifere’s spokesperson, Adewale Adebayo, remarked, “This increase is unsustainable. It’s pushing more Nigerians into poverty, and the government should not turn a blind eye to this crisis.”

Arewa Youths added their voice, with chairman Ibrahim Sani warning of potential civil unrest: “If the price is not reversed, we will see nationwide protests. Nigerians are suffering, and this is simply too much to bear.”

The price hike has triggered severe inflation, with the cost of goods and services rising almost by the hour, exacerbating the already struggling economy.