The Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reevaluate the administration’s economic strategies and reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), widely known as petrol.
Dr. Saheed Kehinde, Chairman of the Lagos NMA, expressed concern over the recent petrol price hikes, describing them as a significant burden on Nigerians, including healthcare professionals who are already grappling with severe economic difficulties and insecurity.
“Our members are increasingly leaving the country due to worsening economic conditions. This latest price increase threatens to exacerbate the already critical situation for those remaining,” Kehinde stated.
He further noted, “The rise in fuel prices coincides with an unprecedented economic crisis in Nigeria, which affects every sector and intensifies the mental, social, and emotional strain on Nigerians.”
Kehinde emphasized that with soaring inflation and the cost of living at record highs, the latest spike in petrol prices will likely elevate poverty rates, increase instances of depression, and contribute to growing social unrest.
“How can we justify a system where doctors, earning an average of $300 per month, must contend with such drastic cost increases? This situation has made it nearly impossible for healthcare professionals, and all Nigerians, to cope with their economic realities,” he added in a statement released on Thursday.
The NMA strongly urges President Tinubu to intervene swiftly by reinstating previous petrol prices, which would offer essential relief to healthcare workers and the public struggling with the effects of subsidy removal, rising inflation, and additional costs in daily living.
Furthermore, the NMA advocates for a significant shift in government economic policies, suggesting that Nigeria must prioritize self-sufficiency in petroleum production. They recommend accelerating the revitalization of local refineries to reduce dependency on fuel imports.
In addition to economic reforms, combating the ongoing insecurity in the country is deemed crucial for fostering a stable environment that encourages economic growth and eases the burden of hardship faced by many Nigerians.
