By Francesca Hangeior

The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the administration’s economic policies and reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.

The Chairman of Lagos NMA, Dr. Saheed Kehinde, condemned the recent increase in petrol prices, stating that it has imposed unbearable hardship on Nigerians, including medical and dental professionals, who are already struggling with severe economic challenges and insecurity.

According to Kehinde, many of our members are being forced to leave the country in large numbers due to the deteriorating economic situation, and this recent development will only worsen the already dire circumstances they face.

“The hike in PMS prices comes at a time when Nigerians are enduring unprecedented economic pressures. This decision will impact all sectors, deepening the mental, social, and emotional stress that citizens are currently experiencing.

“With inflation rates soaring and the cost of living at an all-time high, the sudden spike in petrol prices will not only increase poverty levels across the country but also contribute to rising rates of depression, stress-related hospital admissions, social unrest, and even mortality.

“How can we rationalise a situation where doctors, who earn an average of $300 per month, are expected to cope with such astronomical increases in the cost of living? The recent hike in PMS prices has worsened an already unsustainable economic reality for healthcare professionals and all Nigerians, making it nearly impossible for them to manage,” Kehinde said in a statement he issued on Thursday.

He added, “The NMA, Lagos State, calls on His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, to urgently intervene in this matter.

We urge him to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by immediately reversing the petrol price hike to its previous level. Such a move will provide much-needed relief to our members and the general public, who are already struggling under the weight of the recent removal of petrol subsidies, escalating inflation, rampant insecurity, high electricity tariffs, and excessive taxation on wages.

“Furthermore, instead of continually burdening the populace with rising fuel prices, we strongly advise the Federal Government to rethink its economic policies. It is high time Nigeria moved towards self-sufficiency in the production of petroleum products, including PMS. We urge the government to expedite efforts to end petrol importation and focus on revitalising our local refineries.

“Additionally, addressing the persistent insecurity in the country must be a top priority if we are to create a stable environment conducive to economic growth and reduce the ever-widening gap of hardship and poverty among Nigerians.”