30-day Fuel: Alálùpàídà and His Devil’s Water

Last Thursday, the Nigerian government announced a 30-day temporary fuel price intervention, with petrol to be sold at N1,350 per litre at designated NNPCL (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited) stations. This announcement resonated with Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s debut novel, Weep Not, Child (1964). According to Premium Times Nigeria, the government’s move has been met with mixed reactions, with some comparing it to the ‘devil’s water’ from the novel. The price hike is seen as a significant burden for many Nigerians, especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges. The NNPCL has not said when the facility began operating, but it is expected to help alleviate the fuel scarcity that has plagued the country in recent months. It is unclear how long the intervention will last beyond the 30 days, leaving many concerned about the potential impact on consumers.