NOA Urges Calm as Petrol Prices Fluctuate

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kebbi State Directorate, has urged Nigerians, particularly residents of Kebbi State, to remain calm over fluctuations in the retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The agency also appealed to residents to give the Federal and Kebbi State governments time to implement various measures aimed at reducing the impact of rising living costs.

The NOA Director in Kebbi, Muhammed Nasir-Karofi, made the appeal in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Nasir-Karofi said the recent changes in petrol prices were largely driven by movements in international crude oil prices, foreign exchange rates, supply conditions and market replacement costs.

He explained that under the deregulated petroleum downstream sector, domestic petrol prices could change in response to global market conditions.

According to him, other West African countries, including Benin, Niger, Togo and Cameroon, are also facing similar price adjustments and inflationary pressures.

He acknowledged that the reforms were creating immediate economic difficulties for households and small businesses but said the government considered them necessary to improve the country’s financial position.

He said the removal of unsustainable fuel subsidies would reduce pressure on government finances and allow more funds to be directed towards infrastructure, security, education and social welfare.

The NOA director also highlighted several measures being implemented by the Kebbi State Government to cushion the effects of the economic situation. These include public transport support, the upgrading of the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, healthcare improvements, agricultural support and empowerment programmes.

He added that the state government was strengthening security operations to protect lives, property and farmlands across the state.

Nasir-Karofi said the Federal Government was also pursuing long-term reforms, including improvements in tertiary education funding through the Student Loan Scheme, stronger national security infrastructure and economic diversification.

He urged community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and residents to remain patient, support government initiatives and maintain confidence as the reforms take effect.