Dr. Saheed Kehinde, the Chairman of the Lagos NMA, criticized the recent surge in petrol prices, saying it has placed an intolerable burden on Nigerians, including medical and dental professionals, who are already grappling with severe economic difficulties and insecurity.
Kehinde highlighted that many healthcare workers are being forced to leave Nigeria due to the worsening economic situation. He warned that the fuel price hike would exacerbate the challenges faced by professionals and citizens alike.
“The hike in PMS prices comes at a time when Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented economic pressure. This decision will affect all sectors, deepening the mental, social, and emotional stress already weighing heavily on citizens,” Kehinde said.
He emphasized that with inflation soaring and the cost of living reaching new highs, the petrol price hike would push more Nigerians into poverty and contribute to a rise in depression, stress-related hospitalizations, social unrest, and mortality rates.
“How can we justify a situation where doctors earning an average of $300 per month are expected to survive such extreme increases in living costs? The petrol price hike has worsened an already unsustainable reality for healthcare professionals and all Nigerians,” Kehinde added.
The NMA called on President Tinubu to prioritize the welfare of the populace by reversing the petrol price increase to ease the economic pressure on citizens. They also urged the government to focus on achieving self-sufficiency in the production of petroleum products, end fuel importation, and address the country’s growing insecurity, which is hindering economic growth and deepening poverty.
By reducing fuel prices and reevaluating economic policies, the NMA believes that the government can alleviate the hardships Nigerians face and create a more stable environment conducive to progress.
