A former Senator from Anambra State, Ishaku Abbo has disclosed a new plan which he said will significantly lower petrol costs by early 2025.
During a press briefing on Monday in Yola, Abbo said the details of his proposal has been formally sent to President Bola Tinubu. He claims the plan if approved, could bring petrol prices down to N480 per litre by February next year.
Currently, Nigerians are facing record-high fuel prices, with many stations selling petrol for over N1000 per litre. The drastic increase came after the federal government completely removed the fuel subsidy, which had previously kept prices at a more affordable level. This move has left citizens struggling with higher costs for transportation, food, and basic goods.
Aside from the increase in petrol prices, Nigerians are dealing with multiple challenges, including power outages. Recently, a national power grid collapse left the northern part of the country in darkness for almost three weeks, adding to the difficulties faced by residents.
Commenting on the issue, Abbo criticized the government of Adamawa State for neglecting infrastructure that could help ease the electricity problems. He pointed to the Kiri Dam in Shelleng Local Government Area, which he believes could be upgraded to generate power for the region. According to Abbo, the dam has the potential to produce at least 35 megawatts of electricity, enough to support Adamawa State and surrounding areas. He urged Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to prioritize projects that would benefit rural communities directly, rather than focusing on projects like flyovers, which he argues are less essential.
His words: “People are suffering, people are dying of hunger every day, and crime is on the rise due to poverty and a lack of legitimate job opportunities, especially for the youth.
“My heart bleeds when I see people roaming to find food unsuccessfully for their families.”
Abbo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was sacked as a senator in 2023 by the court of appeal. The court ruled that based on Section 137 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the results tendered before it clearly showed that there was no compliance with the Electoral Act. The ruling went in favour of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amos Yohanna.
