ActionAid Nigeria has raised concerns over the ongoing hikes in fuel prices, saying they have intensified poverty and hunger across the nation.
Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, highlighted in Abuja that the relentless cost increases have pushed struggling families, small businesses, and vulnerable communities to the brink, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
He warned that the economic strain could lead to a rise in crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery as more Nigerians grapple with financial hardship and limited opportunities.
He said: “We foresee that this economic hardship and hopelessness may likely create a fertile ground for crimes to thrive, with kidnapping, armed robberies, and other violent crimes, especially during the festive season.
Transportation costs have also more than doubled, and food has become a luxury that many cannot afford. As it stands, Nigeria’s healthcare system is also affected, with recent reports indicating that at least 50 per cent of private hospitals have been forced to shut down, while those that remain are barely surviving due to high operating costs.
This has devastating consequences for Nigerians, leaving many without access to proper healthcare services. The government’s inadequacies in providing pro-poor policies have created an economic and social crisis that threatens all spheres of our society.’’
Mamedu also lamented that despite a recent drop in global crude oil prices, fuel prices in Nigeria continue to soar due to the naira’s persistent decline against the US dollar.