A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bode George, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce the price of petrol to N300 per litre during the yuletide to alleviate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the former PDP Deputy National Chairman (Southwest) expressed concern over the growing hardship in the country, urging the government to provide some relief during the festive season.
George proposed that the reduced petrol price could be implemented from mid-December to the end of January 2025, suggesting that individuals and businesses could assist in offsetting the financial burden of such a measure.
“I have been thinking, as a Nigerian, what can we do because the anger and the hunger are almost equal on the streets of Nigeria,” George said.
“What I am suggesting is that Mr. President should sit down with his managers and give an order that from the middle of December to the end of January, the cost of petrol will be N300 per litre.
“The government can absorb the losses in the interest of the suffering people. If they (the government) want others to contribute, let us know how much that is going to cost and ask people to donate, to bear the cost.
“We will be sending a lot of messages of happiness across the tribes and homes. Everybody in Nigeria will be happy because it will positively impact this period of the year. It is a challenge, and he (Tinubu) can do it.
“We need this in December and January to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.”
George also urged the federal government to take further steps to address high inflation, unemployment, and poverty, which have worsened since the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023.
Currently, petrol is sold at over N1,000 per litre, leading to increased transport fares and food prices. George’s suggestion implies that the federal government would subsidise petrol at N700 per litre during the proposed period.
Such a move, according to George, would bring significant relief to Nigerians and foster a sense of unity and joy during the festive season.
