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Doctors Urge President Tinubu to Reconsider Economic Policies and Reduce Fuel Prices
The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to review his administration’s economic policies and lower the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Dr. Saheed Kehinde, Chairman of Lagos NMA, criticized the recent increase in petrol prices, stating that it has caused significant hardship for Nigerians, including medical and dental professionals who are already grappling with severe economic pressures and insecurity.
Kehinde expressed concern that the price hike is exacerbating the economic challenges faced by healthcare professionals and leading to an exodus of practitioners from the country. “The rise in PMS prices comes at a time of unprecedented economic strain for Nigerians. This decision will have widespread effects, intensifying the mental, social, and emotional stress faced by citizens,” Kehinde said in a statement released on Thursday.
He highlighted that the combination of high inflation rates and living costs, coupled with the recent petrol price increase, is likely to worsen poverty levels, contribute to rising depression rates, and lead to more stress-related health issues and social unrest. “It is unjust to expect doctors, who earn an average of $300 per month, to manage such drastic increases in living costs,” he added.
The NMA Lagos State urged President Tinubu to act swiftly to reverse the petrol price hike to its previous level. They called for this measure to provide relief to the public and healthcare professionals alike, who are already struggling with the removal of petrol subsidies, soaring inflation, high electricity tariffs, and increased taxation on wages.
Additionally, the association recommended that the Federal Government reassess its economic policies, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum production. They urged the government to accelerate efforts to end petrol importation and revitalize local refineries. Addressing persistent insecurity in the country was also highlighted as a crucial step towards creating a stable environment conducive to economic growth and alleviating widespread hardship and poverty.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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