Afenifere Faction Seeks Petrol at N350–N400, Higher Minimum Wage
A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, headed by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has urged the Federal Government to bring down the pump price of petrol to a band of N350 to N400 per litre, saying this would reduce the economic burden on Nigerians.
The faction faulted the proposed price modulation mechanism put forward by the government, which is intended to hold petrol at no more than N1,350 per litre, describing it as nowhere near what members of the public expect.
The demand was made days after the Federal Government disclosed that it would enter negotiations on a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol as part of the proposed price modulation arrangement meant to keep prices steady. The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, had explained that the plan would help soften the effect of rising fuel costs.
Afenifere's position was contained in a communiqué released on Sunday, following its monthly National Executive Committee meeting, which took place in Lagos at the weekend. The communiqué carried the signatures of Olaitan, the Afenifere National Leader, and Alade Rotimi-John, who was recently named substantive Secretary-General.
According to the communiqué, "The meeting observed the announcement by government through its Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy respecting a putative price modulation mechanism for ensuring petrol price stabilisation at not more than N1,350 as a far cry from the expectation of the people."
It went on: "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."
Beyond the fuel price, the group bemoaned the current economic hardship, hunger and high inflation, which it said have come to define the administration of President Bola Tinubu. It criticised what it termed the government's casual handling of its duties, arguing that it has not done enough on safety, security, the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.
"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," the communiqué said.
"The meeting decried the casual or footloose carriage of the government respecting its covenant responsibilities on safety, security, the economy, and general well-being," it added.
Afenifere also flagged what it described as mounting political intolerance and inflammatory remarks by certain members of the political class as the 2027 general elections draw closer. It said such conduct was overheating the polity and shrinking the democratic space.
"Meeting denounced the rising wave of intolerance among a cross-section of the political class who make reckless, inflammatory and inciting statements thereby heating up the polity and constricting the democratic space," the group stated.
The organisation appealed for restraint among politicians, asking them to run their electioneering campaigns in a decent manner. "Meeting called for a civilised conduct of electioneering in accordance with global best practices," the communiqué read.
It further pressed the government to guarantee that the 2027 general elections are free and fair by permitting the Independent National Electoral Commission to function truly independently. "The meeting challenged the government to ensure a free and fair 2027 general election by allowing INEC to be truly independent," it said.
Turning to workers' welfare, Afenifere asked for an increase in the N70,000 national minimum wage, contending that inflation has stripped it of value. "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 stated.
The meeting also ratified Rotimi-John's appointment as substantive Secretary-General of Afenifere.
Among those present were 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.
In addition, the organisation extended condolences to Leke Adefala over the passing of his wife and agreed to be represented at the funeral ceremonies.
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