CHRAN PRESS RELEASE
RISING FUEL COST AND ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: CHRAN URGES AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT URGENT RELIEF MEASURES
The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) expresses deep concern over the worsening economic hardship faced by citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State, particularly as a result of the escalating cost of petrol, now hovering around ₦1,400 per litre in many parts of the state.
This development has triggered a sharp increase in transportation costs, placing an unbearable burden on the people especially the poorest of the poor, the less privileged, students, and civil servants whose incomes have remained largely stagnant in the face of rising living expenses.
While we acknowledge the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, particularly the promise to procure and deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as a long-term solution to transportation challenges, we are compelled to state that the current situation demands immediate and decisive emergency intervention.
The hardship being experienced by citizens is no longer a distant concern; it is a present and pressing crisis. Many residents now spend a disproportionate percentage of their daily income on transportation alone, thereby reducing their capacity to meet other basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education.
CHRAN therefore calls on the Akwa Ibom State Government to urgently:
Introduce Transport Palliatives:
Implement immediate measures to cushion the cost of transportation for citizens. This could include direct subsidies or support systems targeted at easing daily commuting burdens.
Engage and Negotiate with Transport Unions:
The government should initiate dialogue with transport operators and unions with a view to subsidizing transport fares across the state. Strategic partnerships can help stabilize fares and prevent arbitrary increases.
Fast-track the Deployment of CNG Buses:
While we commend the vision behind the CNG initiative, we urge the government to expedite the process to ensure that the benefits reach the people without further delay.
Declare a Transportation Emergency Response:
Given the severity of the current situation, the government must treat this as an emergency and roll out short-term, actionable solutions to immediately alleviate suffering.
It is important to emphasize that governance is most meaningful when it responds promptly to the needs of the people. Silence or inaction at a time like this may be interpreted as indifference, and this must be avoided.
The people of Akwa Ibom State are resilient, but they should not be left to bear this burden alone. Government intervention at this critical moment will not only provide relief but also reinforce public trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare of the citizenry.
CHRAN remains committed to advocating for policies and actions that uphold human dignity, social justice, and accountability in governance.
Signed
Otuekong Franklyn Isong
(Director)
Comrade Etimbuk Ekpenyong
(Secretary, Research & Documentation)
Dated: Friday, 27th March, 2026.