Afenifere Faction Demands Petrol Price Cut To N350–N400 Per Litre

A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, led by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has called for an immediate reduction in petrol prices to between N350 and N400 per litre, saying the move would help ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

 

The group described the Federal Government’s proposed petrol price stabilisation mechanism, which seeks to keep prices at no more than N1,350 per litre, as inadequate and far below public expectations.

 

The demand comes days after the Federal Government announced plans to negotiate a N1,350-per-litre ceiling on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol under a proposed price modulation mechanism aimed at stabilising prices.

 

The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, had said the arrangement would help cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.

 

Afenifere made its position known in a communiqué issued on Sunday after its monthly National Executive Committee meeting held in Lagos at the weekend. The communiqué was signed by the group’s National Leader, Olaitan, and its newly appointed substantive Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John.

 

“The meeting observed the announcement by government through its Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy respecting a putative price modulation mechanism for ensuring petrol price stabilisation at not more than N1,350 as a far cry from the expectation of the people.

 

“The meeting proposed an immediate review of the fuel price to between N350–N400 per litre so as to ease the general situation regarding the unaffordability of the product,” the communiqué read.

 

The group also criticised the prevailing economic conditions, citing hardship, hunger and high inflation as defining features of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

It accused the government of taking a casual approach to its responsibilities, particularly in addressing insecurity, economic challenges and the general welfare of citizens.

 

“The meeting reviewed the general socio-political and economic situation of the country and observed that a pervasive climate of hardship, hunger and hyperinflation is yet the defining characteristic of the Tinubu presidency.

 

“The meeting decried the casual or footloose carriage of the government respecting its covenant responsibilities on safety, security, the economy, and general well-being,” it added.

 

Afenifere Warns Against Political Intolerance

 

On the 2027 general elections, the organisation expressed concern over what it described as growing political intolerance and inflammatory remarks by members of the political class.

 

It warned that reckless and inciting statements could heighten political tensions and restrict democratic participation.

 

“The meeting denounced the rising wave of intolerance among a cross-section of the political class who make reckless, inflammatory and inciting statements thereby heating up the polity and constricting the democratic space,” the communiqué stated.

 

Afenifere urged politicians to conduct their campaigns in a civilised manner and in line with global best practices.

 

It also challenged the Federal Government to guarantee free and fair elections in 2027 by allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to operate independently.

 

“The meeting challenged the government to ensure a free and fair 2027 general election by allowing INEC to be truly independent,” it said.

 

Group Seeks Minimum Wage Review

 

On workers’ welfare, the group called for an upward review of the N70,000 national minimum wage, arguing that persistent inflation had eroded its purchasing power.

 

“The meeting observed that the statutory minimum wage of N70,000 per month is due for an upward review so as to meet the challenges of the inflationary spiral which have rendered the minimum wage unreasonable and unfeeling in the present circumstances,” the communiqué read.

 

The meeting also approved Rotimi-John’s appointment as the substantive Secretary-General of Afenifere.

 

Those in attendance included Olaitan, Omo-Oba Supo Shonibare, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Tola Mobolurin, Bayo Adenekan, Justice Faloye, Dele Farotimi, Toyin Falade, Lanre Anjolaiya, Olayemi Olajuyinnu and Wale Balogun.

 

The organisation also extended its condolences to Leke Adefala over the death of his wife and resolved to attend the funeral ceremonies.