An energy expert, Chucks Emeka, has expressed concern over the impact of rising fuel prices on small-scale traders and low-income earners in Nigeria, questioning how petty business operators will survive the increasing cost of living.
Speaking on the Sunday edition of ThisDay Live on Arise News anchored by Reuben Abati, Emeka said the hike in fuel prices has triggered a sharp increase in the cost of food and other basic commodities across the country.
He lamented that the situation is putting immense pressure on ordinary Nigerians, particularly small traders such as pepper grinders, vulcanizers and other petty business operators who rely heavily on fuel to power their daily activities.
“How will pepper grinders, vulcanizers and other petty traders survive under these conditions?” he asked, stressing that the rising cost of fuel continues to push many small businesses toward collapse.
The energy expert argued that the current economic pressure could have been avoided if the government had ensured that Nigeria’s refineries were functioning effectively.
According to him, there was no reason external conflicts such as the Israel–Iran conflict should significantly affect fuel prices in Nigeria if the country had adequate domestic refining capacity.
Emeka said the ripple effects of the fuel price hike are already visible in the steady increase in food prices and the cost of essential goods nationwide.
He also criticized the composition of the federal government committee set up to manage the national power grid, claiming it lacks the necessary professionals required to address the country’s electricity challenges.
According to him, the committee appears to be dominated by individuals with political interests rather than technical expertise.
“I looked at the names of the members and I laughed,” he said. “Most of them discuss politics when they come for meetings because that is the only thing that brings them together.”
Emeka urged the government to focus on strengthening local refining capacity and ensuring that competent professionals are involved in managing critical sectors such as energy and power.See_More…