The Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) has urged the federal government to review the fuel price following the subsidy removal.

Patrick Anyanwu, the national president of NHA, said this in a telephone interview on Saturday in Lagos, noting that although they supported the subsidy removal, they were against its effects.

“We seek either total reversal of fuel price to what was obtainable before or a reduction to enable us to operate well,” Mr Anyanwu said.

President Bola Tinubu had in his inaugural speech on May 29 stated that his administration would not continue to pay subsidies on petrol.

Following this announcement, the price of fuel skyrocketed from N185 to N488 per litre.

Mr Anyanwu said this was alarming, and the federal government needs to promptly put measures in place that will ensure drastic reduction in fuel price.

“Already, we are battling with the issue of multiple taxations, which we are still looking up to the government to help us harmonise these taxes, and here we are again with fuel hike.

“Even with the previous N185 per litre, we were still trying to break even and stay in business,” he said.

Mr Anyanwu said the development had thrown many hoteliers off balance as increasing accommodation rates was not feasible due to the fuel hike.

He said if the situation remains the same, hoteliers would have to engage in massive staff disengagement while many others would fold up their businesses.

“We want the presidency to know that there would definitely be a huge loss of jobs if the price of fuel is not reviewed.

“Government must put into consideration the negative effect of this when the jobless youths engage in all forms of social vices,” he said.

Mr Anyanwu also urged the federal government to prioritise the industry as it has the potential to engage a good number of youths.

(NAN)