A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, led by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has urged the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices to between N350 and N400 per litre and increase the national minimum wage to cushion the effects of rising living costs.
The group said the proposed petrol price stabilisation mechanism, which seeks to keep prices at no more than N1,350 per litre, was inadequate to address the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
The Federal Government had recently announced plans to negotiate a N1,350-per-litre ceiling on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol under a proposed price modulation arrangement.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the initiative was intended to help moderate the effects of rising fuel prices.
However, Afenifere rejected the proposed price level, insisting that a much more substantial reduction was needed to make petrol affordable.
The organisation stated its position in a communiqué issued on Sunday following its monthly National Executive Committee meeting held in Lagos at the weekend.
The communiqué was signed by Olaitan, the group's National Leader, and its newly appointed substantive Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John.
According to the group, the proposed N1,350-per-litre ceiling falls significantly short of what Nigerians expect from the government amid worsening economic conditions.
“The meeting proposed an immediate review of the fuel price to between N350 – N400 per litre so as to ease the general situation regarding the unaffordability of the product,” the communiqué stated.
The group also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu's administration, describing hardship, hunger and high inflation as persistent challenges confronting citizens.
It accused the government of failing to adequately address its responsibilities in the areas of security, economic management and public welfare.
“The meeting reviewed the general socio-political and economic situation of the country and observed that a pervasive climate of hardship, hunger and hyperinflation is yet the defining characteristic of the Tinubu presidency,” it said.
Afenifere further expressed concern over what it described as the government's inadequate response to its responsibilities towards Nigerians, particularly in ensuring safety, security and economic stability.
Beyond economic issues, the organisation raised the alarm over increasing political intolerance and inflammatory rhetoric among political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It warned that reckless statements by politicians could heighten tensions, undermine national stability and restrict the space for democratic engagement.
The group consequently called on political leaders to exercise restraint and ensure that their campaigns were conducted peacefully and in line with accepted democratic standards.
“The meeting called for a civilised conduct of electioneering in accordance with global best practices,” the communiqué added.
On the 2027 elections, Afenifere urged the Federal Government to guarantee a credible electoral process by allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discharge its responsibilities independently.
“The meeting challenged the government to ensure a free and fair 2027 general election by allowing INEC to be truly independent,” it stated.
The organisation also demanded an upward review of the N70,000 national minimum wage, arguing that persistent inflation had substantially weakened workers' purchasing power.
It maintained that the existing wage was no longer sufficient to meet the financial demands of workers under the prevailing economic conditions.
“The meeting observed that the statutory minimum wage of N70,000 per month is due for an upward review so as to meet the challenges of the inflationary spiral which have rendered the minimum wage unreasonable and unfeeling in the present circumstances,” the communiqué read.
Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee approved the appointment of Rotimi-John as the substantive Secretary-General of the organisation.
Those present at the meeting included Olaitan, Omo-Oba Supo Shonibare, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Tola Mobolurin, Bayo Adenekan, Justice Faloye, Dele Farotimi, Toyin Falade, Lanre Anjolaiya, Olayemi Olajuyinnu and Wale Balogun.
The organisation also expressed condolences to Leke Adefala over the death of his wife and resolved to participate in the funeral ceremonies.
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