Nigerians have expressed disappointment and frustration with the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N1,405 per litre, despite the government's announcement of a discounted rate. The Minister of Finance, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, had stated that the government would offer a margin discount for 30 days at NNPC stations, with priority for public transporters. However, motorists who visited NNPC retail stations were asked to download the NNPC Fuel App to access the discounted fuel.
The NNPC Fuel App is the only channel through which customers can access the N66 per litre discount, according to the Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of the NNPC, Andy Odeh. Odeh stated that the pump price at NNPC retail stations in Abuja is currently N1,405 per litre, but customers who access the discount through the app pay an effective price of N1,339 per litre. The discount, which commenced on October 1, runs until October 31.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the government of indifference to the plight of Nigerians in the face of economic hardship. NLC spokesman, Comrade Benson Upah, dismissed the discounted rate as miserly and maintained that the government has no intention of reducing fuel prices or cushioning the effects of its economic policies on the average Nigerian. Upah criticized the 30-day threshold and the requirement to download the app as restrictive and diversionary.
Motorists have expressed worry over the difficulties in accessing the discounted fuel. A motorist who spoke on condition of anonymity accused the government of deceiving Nigerians about fuel price reduction by hiding conditions attached to it. He queried the sincerity of the government, saying Nigerians deserve more than a pronouncement. Another motorist, Mr. Babatunde Atoye, stated that the discount was not automatically available to customers at filling stations.
The requirement to download the NNPC Fuel App has raised concerns about accessibility. A petrol attendant, who pleaded anonymity, said motorists and consumers could only make payment via the application. Another motorist, Mr. Abdulrahim Malik, questioned how people who do not have access to Android phones or are not familiar with digital applications could benefit from the discount.
Stakeholders have commended the government for reducing the cost of petrol but expressed concern about the limited impact of the discount. Mr. George Ochendu, a stakeholder, noted that many Nigerians may not benefit from the discount due to network challenges. Mrs. Toyin Daniel, a consumer, wondered how motorists who are not familiar with the digital platform could access the discounted fuel.
Public analyst, Mr. Jide Ojo, stated that the reduction would have limited impact due to the relatively small number of NNPC outlets compared with other retail stations. The development has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of the government's efforts to cushion the effects of economic hardship on Nigerians.
Key points
- The NNPCL's fuel price discount is only accessible through the NNPC Fuel App.
- The Nigeria Labour Congress has criticized the government's fuel price discount as miserly.
- The discount has raised concerns about accessibility and effectiveness.
