By Victor Ahiuma-Young
The Working People United (WoPU), a grassroots civic and political movement, has urged transport operators, haulage companies and food distributors nationwide to reduce their charges following the Federal Government’s intervention in the petroleum sector.
The movement said the intervention aimed at moderating petrol costs should translate into lower transportation fares, reduced food prices and improved purchasing power for Nigerians grappling with the rising cost of living.
In a statement, the National Coordinator-General of WoPU, Prince Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, commended President Bola Tinubu for the intervention but stressed that its success should be measured by the tangible relief it brings to ordinary Nigerians.
WoPU described the development as a welcome step capable of improving the socioeconomic conditions of workers, households, traders and small business owners, particularly through its potential impact on transportation costs and food prices.
The movement expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the intervention over the next 30 days, urging stakeholders to ensure that any genuine reductions in operating costs are reflected in the prices charged to consumers.
“At a time when Nigerians are grappling with global high cost of living, measures that could ease transportation expenses and reduce pressure on household budgets are significant,” the statement said.
WoPU called on commercial drivers, haulage operators, logistics companies and food distributors to review passenger fares and the cost of transporting goods in line with any corresponding reductions in their operating expenses.
It noted that transportation accounts for a significant component of the cost of food and other essential commodities, adding that lower haulage charges could contribute to reduced market prices if other costs along the supply chain remain favourable.
“The benefits of this intervention should not end at the filling stations; they should extend to our markets, homes and workplaces,” the movement said.
It warned that Nigerians might not enjoy the full benefits of the intervention if petrol costs declined while transportation fares and haulage charges remained unchanged despite corresponding reductions in operating expenses.
The group also urged relevant government agencies to monitor the implementation of the intervention and promote transparent and responsible pricing practices to ensure that consumers benefit from any genuine cost reductions.
According to WoPU, working people, many of whom spend a significant proportion of their earnings on transportation and food, stand to benefit if the intervention leads to lower commuting expenses and more affordable essential commodities.
However, the movement stressed that the intervention should be complemented by sustained efforts to address other factors driving the cost of living, including agricultural production costs, food distribution challenges and inadequate transportation infrastructure.
WoPU said economic policies should ultimately translate into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians, adding that the next 30 days should provide an opportunity for collective action to ease the cost of living, improve access to essential commodities and strengthen household purchasing power.
The movement urged all stakeholders to support efforts to ensure that the benefits of the Federal Government’s intervention reach Nigerian workers and households.
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