Key points
- Afenifere wants petrol at N350 to N400 a liter, calling the proposed N1,350 ceiling “a far cry.”
- It says the N70,000 minimum wage is due for an upward review because of inflation.
- It urged civilized campaigning and an independent INEC for a free and fair 2027 election.
A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has called for an immediate cut in the petrol pump price to between N350 and N400 a liter, rejecting the Federal Government’s proposed N1,350 ceiling as far short of what Nigerians expect.
The demand came in a communique issued on Sunday after the group’s monthly National Executive Committee meeting in Lagos. National Leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan and newly appointed Secretary-General Alade Rotimi-John signed it.
The call follows an announcement days earlier that the government plans to negotiate a N1,350-a-liter cap on the ex-gantry, or landing, cost of petrol under a price modulation mechanism.
Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said the arrangement would help cushion rising fuel costs. Afenifere dismissed it, describing the proposal as “a far cry from the expectation of the people” and urging an immediate review of the fuel price.
The group painted a bleak picture of the economy. It said a “pervasive climate of hardship, hunger and hyperinflation” defines the Tinubu presidency, and it faulted the government for what it called a casual approach to security, the economy and citizens’ welfare.
On pay, Afenifere argued that the N70,000 national minimum wage is due for an upward review. Inflation, it said, has made the figure “unreasonable and unfeeling.”
The demand echoes calls from public service workers, who staged a three-day warning strike earlier this month over living costs.
Politics also featured. The organization denounced what it called rising intolerance and inflammatory remarks among politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Consequently, it urged a civilized campaign in line with global best practices and challenged the government to let the Independent National Electoral Commission operate independently so the vote is free and fair.
The meeting also approved Rotimi-John as substantive secretary-general and condoled with Leke Adefala over the death of his wife.
Attendees included Supo Shonibare, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Dele Farotimi and Tola Mobolurin. Meanwhile, the government has not publicly responded to the group’s demands.
