A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has called on the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices to between ₦350 and ₦400 per litre while demanding an urgent review of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage.
The group, led by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, said the proposed government plan to stabilise petrol prices at a ceiling of ₦1,350 per litre fell far short of what Nigerians needed to cope with rising living costs.
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued after the organisation’s monthly National Executive Committee meeting held in Lagos over the weekend.
The communiqué was signed by Olaitan and the group’s newly appointed substantive Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John, following discussions on Nigeria’s economic and political situation.
According to the group, lowering petrol prices to between ₦350 and ₦400 per litre would help ease the financial pressure facing households, workers and businesses across the country.
Afenifere argued that the government’s proposed price-stabilisation mechanism would not sufficiently address the affordability challenges experienced by Nigerians amid persistent increases in the cost of transportation and essential goods.
The Federal Government had announced plans to negotiate a ceiling of ₦1,350 per litre on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol as part of a proposed price-modulation mechanism intended to reduce price volatility.
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele said the proposed arrangement was intended to cushion the effects of rising fuel costs without returning to a blanket petrol subsidy.
However, Afenifere maintained that stabilising prices at the proposed level would leave petrol unaffordable for many Nigerians, particularly those whose earnings have struggled to keep pace with inflation.
The group also criticised the country’s economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu, describing hardship, hunger and high inflation as major concerns requiring urgent government attention.
It expressed dissatisfaction with what it considered an inadequate response to issues affecting public safety, national security, economic stability and the general welfare of citizens.
The organisation’s position adds to growing public pressure on the Federal Government to introduce measures that address the impact of fuel prices on household budgets and business operating costs.
Petrol prices have significant implications for Nigeria’s economy because they influence transport fares, the movement of agricultural produce, distribution costs and the prices of goods and services.
When transport and distribution expenses rise, businesses may transfer part of the additional costs to consumers, putting further pressure on household purchasing power.
Afenifere therefore called for policies that would make fuel more affordable and help restore the purchasing power of workers and other Nigerians.
On workers’ welfare, the group said the current national minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month needed an upward review because inflation had reduced its value.
The minimum wage was approved in 2024 following negotiations between the Federal Government, organised labour and employers, with the law providing for a review after three years.
Afenifere argued that prevailing economic conditions had made the existing wage inadequate for meeting the basic needs of workers.
The demand comes amid wider labour pressure for wage negotiations and lower petrol prices, with the Nigeria Labour Congress recently issuing a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over fuel costs, minimum wage talks and outstanding agreements with workers.
Although Afenifere and organised labour have made separate demands, both have highlighted the relationship between petrol prices, inflation and the declining purchasing power of Nigerians.
The organisation also raised concerns about political conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against inflammatory statements and growing intolerance among members of the political class.
It urged politicians to conduct their campaigns responsibly and avoid remarks capable of escalating tensions or restricting democratic participation.
The group further called on the Federal Government to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission operates independently in the conduct of the 2027 elections.
It said credible elections would require respect for democratic institutions and an environment in which political actors could campaign without intimidation or incitement.
The meeting also formally approved Rotimi-John’s appointment as the organisation’s substantive Secretary-General.
Afenifere’s proposals place fuel affordability, workers’ earnings and political responsibility at the centre of its latest intervention in Nigeria’s national debate.
Whether the government will adopt the group’s proposed petrol price range or initiate an earlier minimum wage review remains uncertain, as both issues involve wider economic, fiscal and policy considerations.