Orashi National Congress Commends FG For Fuel Price Intervention, Describes N66 Discount As People-Oriented

The Orashi National Congress, ONC, led by its President General, Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, has commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the timely intervention in reducing the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, through the 30-day discount window at NNPC Retail outlets nationwide.

In a statement, the group said it had taken note of the announcement made on October 8, 2026, by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, that NNPC Retail will forgo its retail profit margin and sell fuel at cost, from about N1,405 to N1,339 per litre, representing a N66 per litre relief, extended till October 31, 2026, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The ONC described the intervention as highly commendable for four reasons:

1. Proof of a Listening Government: While global crude prices surged due to Middle East tensions, pushing pump prices from N830 to about N1,400, the government chose not to fold its arms. The decision to cushion the effect shows sensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

2. Targets the Real Sufferers: By giving priority to public transporters, the Federal Government has shown economic wisdom. When transport fares reduce, food prices reduce, market costs reduce, and the common man breathes.

3. Responsible Market Intervention: The Congress appreciated the clarification that the discount is funded by NNPC Retail’s margin and not from the Federation Account. This, it said, shows fiscal responsibility while still providing relief, without returning to the opaque subsidy regime removed in May 2023.

4. Protects the Orashi People: The group noted that its people are farmers, fishermen, traders and transporters, adding that high fuel price means high cost of moving garri, fish, plantain and palm oil from Orashi to Port Harcourt. The N66 reduction, it said, will directly reduce logistics cost and improve rural incomes.

While commending the initiative, ONC appealed to the Federal Government to:

a) Make the discount automatically available at the pump and not only through the NNPC Fuel App, so that rural dwellers, the elderly and those without smartphones in Ahoada, Abua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas can also benefit.

b) Extend the relief beyond 30 days and ensure strict monitoring so that NNPC station managers actually implement it.

c) Fast-track the proposed N1,350 landing-cost ceiling, expanded CNG rollout, and increased cash transfers to vulnerable Nigerians as announced.

d) Sustain engagement with Dangote Refinery and other suppliers to ensure long-term price stability.

The group called on Orashi youths and transport unions, including NURTW and NARTO, to conduct themselves peacefully at NNPC stations and avoid hoarding.

“The Orashi National Congress stands firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government on all people-oriented reforms that bring succour to Nigerians,” the statement added.