…backs NUPRC Chief’s appointment

By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

The Coalition for Better Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as determined and impactful efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, citing recent reductions in the prices of food items, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) as signs of responsive leadership.

Speaking at a press conference on the state of the nation, the convener Yahaya Garba said the easing of prices has brought measurable relief to households and businesses, noting that the interventions reflect a willingness by the President to take difficult decisions in the national interest.

The group also applauded President Tinubu’s intervention in lowering domestic air fares, which it said has improved mobility and economic activity across the country. However, it urged the President to address what it described as a wide and persistent disparity between economy and business class ticket prices.

While acknowledging these gains, the coalition raised concerns over what it called exploitative pricing practices during the Christmas and New Year festivities in parts of the South, including Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Warri and the Federal Capital Territory. It noted that food, hotel accommodation and hospitality services were reportedly priced far higher in those areas than in most Northern states.

According to the coalition, the disparity raises fears that some unpatriotic actors may be weaponising commerce to deepen ethnic and religious divisions. It warned that unchecked festive price inflation could erode public trust and undermine national unity, urging President Tinubu to act decisively to prevent economic sabotage.

The coalition further called on regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to intensify oversight of the food and hospitality sector. It cited allegations that some eateries are using excessive additives, artificial sweeteners, spices and sugar, practices it said could contribute to rising cases of diabetes, hypertension and cancer among Nigerians.

On the petroleum sector, the group praised President Tinubu for appointing Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), describing the move as a vote of confidence in competence and experience.  It said the appointment has boosted goodwill for the President among the Itsekiri people.

The coalition called Mrs Eyesan and urged her to address allegations of oil wells and fields being allocated to unqualified individuals and companies. It also called for fairness in pipeline surveillance contracts, insisting that host communities, including the Itsekiri and other Niger Delta groups, should not be marginalised in decisions affecting their land and livelihoods.

In a related development, the coalition urged President Tinubu to set up an independent committee to probe allegations against Tantita Security Limited, including claims of intrusive surveillance tactics and harassment involving security agencies. It appealed to the National Security Adviser, service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene to safeguard civil liberties.

The group further advised the President to broaden participation in pipeline surveillance arrangements, warning that concentrating such responsibilities in the hands of a few operators could breed resentment and exclusion.

Reaffirming its commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria, the coalition said President Tinubu has both the authority and moral obligation to address the issues raised. It expressed confidence that decisive action would strengthen public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition also praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its ongoing anti-corruption efforts and called on the President to continue supporting the agency in carrying out its mandate.

The press conference was addressed by the coalition’s spokesperson, Ambassador Yahaya Garba.