By John Ogunsemore
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said that recent pump price adjustment for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) negated the benefits of its introduction as an alternative to petrol and diesel.
The Comrade Olushola Oladoja-led body stated this in a Monday statement following news reports of CNG price increase from N230 to N450 per standard cubic metre.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0’); });
Daily Sun recalls that the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) had refuted reports of subsidy removal and increment of CNG pump price, noting that recent price adjustments announced by certain operators were purely private-sector decisions and not the outcome of any government directive or policy.
In its statement signed by Executive Director, Administration and Planning, NANS National Headquarters, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, the student body said it was compelled to address the pressing concern over CNG price hike given its effects on the welfare of its constituency and the Nigerian masses.
“The recent price increase of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has negated the benefits of its introduction as an alternative to PMS/AGO.
“While we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative to provide relief to the masses, the price hike has had a devastating impact on transportation costs, as commercial drivers pass on the burden to commuters.
“We are dismayed by this development and unequivocally state that we say a total NO to this price increment,” the statement reads.
In a three-point demand, the national student body sought reconsideration of the CNG price increase, consultation with stakeholders to address concerns and transparency in CNG pricing and regulation.
NANS said it would apply consultation, being the “first C” of democratic struggle, to air its concerns over the development.
“The Comrade Olushola Ladoja led leadership will engage with relevant agencies, including NNPC, PCNGi, NIPCO, and other stakeholders, to make fact-finding and explore solutions.
“We seek clarification on the price increase and urge the Federal Government to reconsider this decision, which affects the vulnerable populations.
“As partners in progress, we are committed to contributing to a better Nigeria,” the statement further reads.
The post NANS condemns CNG price hike, seeks consultation appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
