The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos State Chapter has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently reconsider his administration’s economic policies and reduce the skyrocketing price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
In a statement issued by the Lagos NMA Chairman, Dr. Saheed Kehinde, the association condemned the recent petrol price hike, stressing that it has exacerbated the already dire economic hardship faced by Nigerians, including medical professionals. Kehinde highlighted that doctors and dentists are particularly vulnerable, with many of them now forced to seek better opportunities abroad due to the crippling economic situation.
“How can we justify a situation where doctors earning an average of $300 a month are expected to survive under such harsh economic conditions? The recent fuel price hike has pushed our members to the brink, worsening an already unbearable cost of living,” Dr. Kehinde stated.
He further explained that the surge in fuel prices comes at a time when inflation is at an all-time high, leading to increased poverty, depression, and even social unrest. According to Kehinde, the stress caused by these economic pressures is taking a toll on the mental health of citizens and contributing to rising hospital admissions.
“The fuel hike isn’t just about higher transportation costs; it will ripple through every sector of society, driving up food prices, housing, and other essential services. This will deepen the poverty crisis and put more Nigerians at risk of social instability,” Kehinde warned.
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The NMA urged President Tinubu to immediately reverse the petrol price increase and address the broader economic policies that continue to burden the populace.
“Instead of continually hiking fuel prices, the Federal Government must shift its focus toward achieving self-sufficiency in petroleum product production. Nigeria can no longer afford to rely on petrol imports while its local refineries remain dormant. The government should prioritize revamping our refineries to ease this burden on Nigerians,” he added.
The NMA also called for a concerted effort to tackle the rising insecurity in the country, which has further compounded the economic challenges. “For Nigeria to recover, security must be restored, and economic reforms that prioritize the welfare of citizens must be enacted. The time to act is now,” Kehinde concluded.
With doctors and other professionals fleeing the country due to worsening conditions, the call for immediate action is urgent. Nigerians are waiting to see how the government will respond to the growing outcry for relief and reform.
