The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Branch, has called on President Bola Tinubu to review his administration’s economic policies and reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
In a statement on Thursday, Dr. Saheed Kehinde, Chairman of the Lagos NMA, condemned the recent fuel price hike, highlighting the severe impact it has on Nigerians, including medical and dental professionals, who are already grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
Kehinde expressed concern over the growing exodus of medical professionals due to the worsening economic conditions, which he believes will be exacerbated by the fuel price increase.
“The hike in PMS prices comes at a time when Nigerians are facing unprecedented economic pressures. This decision will affect all sectors, increasing the mental, social, and emotional stress people are currently enduring,” Kehinde stated.
He added that with inflation soaring and the cost of living at an all-time high, the sudden spike in fuel prices would worsen poverty levels, contribute to rising rates of depression, hospital admissions, social unrest, and even mortality.
“How can doctors, earning an average of $300 per month, cope with such increases in living costs? The fuel price hike has worsened an already unsustainable situation for healthcare professionals and all Nigerians,” he lamented.
The Lagos NMA urged President Tinubu to urgently intervene by reversing the fuel price hike to provide relief for Nigerians struggling under the burden of fuel subsidy removal, inflation, insecurity, high electricity tariffs, and heavy taxation.
Kehinde further called on the Federal Government to rethink its economic strategies and work towards self-sufficiency in petroleum product production. He stressed the importance of ending petrol importation and revitalising local refineries to reduce the hardship faced by citizens.
He also emphasized that addressing the country’s persistent insecurity is crucial for fostering a stable environment conducive to economic growth and alleviating widespread poverty.
