The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has condemned the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel.
The youth body described the move ny the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as a form of economic strangulation of Nigerians, with the Ijaw communities bearing the major brunt of its impact.
Tare Magbei, the Information Officer of the IYC Western Zone, expressed the group’s discontent, highlighting that Ijaw communities in coastal areas of the Niger Delta are disproportionately affected by the persistent increase in fuel prices.
According to Magbei, the geographical location of these communities, coupled with their dependence on fuel for transportation and small-scale economic activities, means they face severe hardships as prices soar.
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Magbei emphasized that the hike, implemented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has pushed up the cost of living and disrupted daily activities, particularly for those who rely on riverine transport.
“The NNPC’s decision has left our people struggling to survive. In coastal areas, boats are the primary mode of transport, and with the current fuel prices, many are finding it impossible to move, trade, or sustain their livelihoods,” he stated.
The IYC called on the federal government and the NNPC to reconsider the hike and implement policies that protect and support marginalized communities like the Ijaws.
Magbei warned that without immediate intervention, the ongoing fuel crisis could escalate into broader socio-economic issues, with dire consequences for the already struggling coastal populations.
“In many Ijaw communities in Delta, Edo, Ondo, and other states across the Niger Delta, a litre of fuel sells for as high as N2,500 per litre.
“The cost of living is currently overbearing our people, and if something drastic is not done urgently, the repercussions may be severe,” Magbei said.
The group further urged relevant authorities to ensure the availability and affordability of fuel products, noting that while the entire country feels the impact of rising prices, the Ijaw people, living in remote and hard-to-reach areas, are suffering disproportionately.
“The government must not turn a blind eye to the plight of the Ijaw people. We demand fair treatment and a comprehensive approach that addresses the economic needs of coastal communities,” Magbei concluded.
