By joshua Tinubu’s Fuel Intervention Must Reflect In Cheaper Food, Transport — WoPU Tells Drivers, Distributors
_Says 30-Day Interim Measure Must Translate To Cheaper Food, Lower Transport Costs For Nigerians_
The Working People United (WoPU), a grassroots civic and political movement, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the Federal Government’s interim intervention in the petroleum sector, describing it as a timely step capable of easing the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Coordinator-General, Prince Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, the movement said the intervention aimed at moderating petrol costs is a welcome development with the potential to improve the socioeconomic conditions of workers, households, traders and small business owners across the country.
WoPU noted that at a time Nigerians are grappling with the global high cost of living, any measure that could ease transportation expenses and reduce pressure on household budgets is significant.
The group said it is particularly encouraged by the potential benefits of the intervention in the next 30 days, stressing however that its success should ultimately be measured by the extent to which ordinary Nigerians experience tangible relief in their daily lives.
“Working people, many of whom spend a significant proportion of their earnings on transportation and food, stand to benefit if the intervention contributes to lower commuting expenses and more affordable essential commodities,” the statement noted.
According to WoPU, transportation is a major component of the cost of food and other essential commodities, and a reduction in transportation expenses could contribute to lower prices in markets across the country, provided that other costs along the supply chain remain favourable.
Consequently, the movement called on transport operators nationwide to reciprocate the Federal Government’s gesture by reviewing passenger fares and the cost of transporting goods in line with any genuine reductions in their operating expenses.
It specifically appealed to commercial drivers, haulage operators, logistics companies and food distributors to ensure that any savings resulting from lower petrol costs are reflected in their charges.
“WoPU urges transporters nationwide to review their fares and reduce the cost of moving goods, especially food items, across the country. The benefits of this intervention should not end at the filling stations; they should extend to our markets, homes and workplaces,” Akporeha stated.
The group warned that if petrol costs decline while transportation fares and haulage charges remain unchanged despite corresponding reductions in operating expenses, ordinary Nigerians may not experience the full benefits of the intervention.
It therefore urged all stakeholders to demonstrate understanding, fairness and a strong sense of collective responsibility, while also calling on relevant government agencies to monitor the implementation of the intervention and promote transparent and responsible pricing practices.
WoPU, while welcoming the move, emphasised that the interim intervention should be complemented by sustained efforts to address other factors driving the cost of living, including agricultural production costs, food distribution challenges and inadequate transportation infrastructure.
“As a grassroots civic and political movement committed to redefining the role of Nigerian working people in shaping the nation’s economic and political future, we believe that economic policies must ultimately translate into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
“The next 30 days should provide an opportunity for collective action to ease the cost of living, improve access to essential commodities and strengthen the purchasing power of the Nigerian people,” the statement added.