NOA Urges Nigerians to Remain Calm as Petrol Prices Continue to Fluctuate

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm as petrol prices continue to fluctuate, attributing the changing pump prices to movements in the international crude oil market and the operation of Nigeria's deregulated downstream petroleum sector.

The appeal was made by the Director of the NOA in Kebbi State, Muhammed Nasir-Karofi, in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Monday. He acknowledged the pressure that changing petrol prices are placing on households and small businesses, but urged citizens to allow the Federal and Kebbi State governments to continue implementing measures aimed at cushioning the economic impact.

Karofi said petrol prices under the current deregulated framework respond to several market factors, including international crude oil prices, supply conditions, replacement costs and foreign-exchange movements. His explanation comes as petrol prices remain elevated across parts of Nigeria, with recent reports putting pump prices in the Federal Capital Territory at between ₦1,299 and ₦1,350 per litre.

The recent volatility has been linked partly to movements in global crude prices. International crude prices have risen sharply amid continuing geopolitical tensions and disruptions affecting oil supplies, creating additional pressure on refiners and fuel suppliers. Reports earlier this month indicated that Brent crude had moved above $100 per barrel, increasing the possibility of further pressure on domestic petrol prices.

Nigeria's deregulated petrol market means that changes in the cost of crude and other components of the supply chain can ultimately affect what consumers pay at filling stations. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has identified crude procurement, refinery supply arrangements, transportation, imported cargoes, delivery timelines and associated taxes among the factors contributing to price volatility.

The effect is being felt beyond the cost of filling vehicle tanks. Petrol prices have a direct influence on transportation and distribution costs, meaning sustained increases can feed into the prices of food, manufactured goods and other essential services. This places additional pressure on households and small businesses that depend heavily on transport and fuel-powered operations.

Karofi acknowledged the immediate hardship associated with the price adjustments but argued that the government's broader economic reforms were intended to improve the country's fiscal position over time. He said the removal of what he described as unsustainable subsidies would allow government resources to be redirected towards areas such as infrastructure, security, education and social welfare.

In Kebbi, the NOA said the state government was implementing measures intended to reduce some of the pressure on residents. These include support for public transportation, improvements to transport infrastructure, healthcare interventions, agricultural assistance and empowerment programmes targeting vulnerable groups, women and young people.

The agency's call for patience comes amid growing public concern over the affordability of petrol. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has previously called for measures to moderate fuel prices, while the NMDPRA has said greater stability in domestic refining and supply could eventually make petrol pricing more predictable.

However, asking Nigerians to remain calm does not remove the economic consequences of rising fuel prices. For many households, the immediate concern is the effect on transport fares and the cost of basic goods, making the effectiveness and reach of government relief measures an important part of the broader discussion.

The NOA's position therefore comes at a time when the government faces the difficult task of balancing market-driven fuel pricing with the economic realities confronting consumers. While global oil prices and supply conditions are outside Nigeria's direct control, domestic refining capacity, logistics, competition and market transparency remain areas where policy decisions can influence the extent to which international price movements are passed on to consumers.

For now, motorists and businesses remain exposed to changes in the petroleum market, while government agencies continue to monitor pricing and supply conditions. The sustainability of the current approach will ultimately depend not only on market conditions but also on whether domestic supply becomes more stable and consumers see meaningful improvements in the wider economy.