The House of Representatives Wednesday adopted the motion moved by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency at Green Chambers, to investigate the arbitrary increase in fuel price.
This followed the widespread outrage by Nigerians from all walks of life, who woke up to the sudden hike in fuel pump price from N515 to over N600.
Citing Section 88(1) and (2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and Section 32 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the lawmaker representing Ideato Federal Constituency informed the House that, “On Tuesday 18th July, 2023, petrol pump price was increased from N537 to N617 by petroleum marketers, without conferring with relevant agencies of government.”
Ugochinyere argued that in view of the current socio-economic challenges being faced by Nigerians, a hike in the price of fuel will further heap great suffering and hardship on Nigerians.
He therefore urged the House to set up an ad-hoc Committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the increment of the petrol pump price by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and marketers and propose palliative measures to be taken to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
Ikenga’s motion was adopted by the parliament and referred to the relevant committee to be set up soon.
