The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a heartfelt plea to President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to alleviate the financial strain on Nigerians by reversing the recent hike in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices.
In a statement released on Thursday in Lagos, Dr. Babajide Saheed, the Chairman of the NMA in Lagos State, emphasized the urgent need for such a decision, which he believes would bring much-needed relief to the populace, especially healthcare professionals grappling with the fallout from the removal of fuel subsidies.
Saheed highlighted the multitude of challenges citizens are currently facing, including soaring inflation, escalating electricity costs, rampant insecurity, and burdensome taxes on income. He expressed concern that the recent increase in PMS prices is exacerbating the already challenging economic landscape for Nigerians.
“The repercussions of this price increase will resonate through every sector of society, further intensifying the mental, social, and emotional challenges that our citizens are enduring,” he warned.
With inflation rates reaching alarming heights and living costs skyrocketing, he cautioned that the abrupt rise in fuel prices would deepen poverty levels nationwide. Saheed also warned that this situation could lead to increased instances of depression, a surge in stress-related hospital admissions, civil unrest, and even higher mortality rates.
He noted a troubling trend of NMA members leaving the country in large numbers due to the economic hardships. Saheed lamented that this worsening situation will only add to the existing struggles faced by healthcare professionals and the health sector as a whole.
Furthermore, he urged the Federal Government to reassess its economic strategies, advocating for a shift towards self-sufficiency in petroleum product production, including PMS.
“We strongly call on the government to hasten the process of eliminating petrol imports and to focus on revitalizing our domestic refineries,” he stated. “Moreover, addressing the ongoing insecurity in the country must take precedence if we are to foster a stable environment that promotes economic growth and mitigates the growing hardship and poverty experienced by Nigerians.”
