SERAP Takes Tinubu To Court For ‘Illegal Petrol Price Increase, Demands NNPCL Investigation

SERAP Takes Tinubu To Court For ‘Illegal Petrol Price Increase, Demands NNPCL Investigation

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against President Bola Tinubu, challenging the recent petrol price hike and alleged corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, September 13, 2024, is registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/1361/2024.

SERAP is requesting a court mandate directing President Tinubu to order the NNPCL to reverse the controversial fuel price increase, which raised petrol prices from ₦600 to ₦845 per litre. The lawsuit names the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the NNPCL as co-respondents. SERAP seeks not only a price rollback but also a comprehensive investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the NNPCL.

In its argument, SERAP claims that the fuel price hike is unjust, unconstitutional, and harmful to the economic well-being of Nigerians. They emphasize the need for greater accountability in managing the country’s petroleum resources and call for transparency in how public funds are used.

The organization is also urging the court to compel President Tinubu to instruct Mr. Fagbemi and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the alleged misappropriation of $300 million in bailout funds received by the NNPCL in August 2024, as well as its $6 billion debt to suppliers. Despite these financial inflows, the NNPCL allegedly failed to remit oil revenues to the national treasury.

Furthermore, SERAP demands the prosecution of any individuals found responsible for corruption and the recovery of any misappropriated funds. The group argues that the fuel price increase is exacerbating the hardship faced by low-income Nigerians, pushing them deeper into poverty during a time of economic instability.

SERAP’s legal counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, described the price hike as a violation of Nigerians’ constitutional rights and international human rights obligations. He highlighted the detrimental effects of corruption in the oil sector, which has led to repeated, unjustified fuel price increases.

The group argues that raising petrol prices amid worsening economic conditions violates Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring a basic standard of living for its citizens. They emphasize the disproportionate impact on marginalized and vulnerable groups, whose living conditions are further jeopardized by the increase.

SERAP frames the issue as a significant human rights concern, arguing that the fuel price hike undermines the ability of Nigerians to enjoy fundamental rights and participate meaningfully in their government. The rise in poverty and inequality, they contend, continues to erode civic participation and the capacity of Nigerians to hold their government accountable.

For too long, SERAP argues, Nigerians have suffered the consequences of corruption in the oil sector, with each price increase deepening the hardships of an already impoverished population. The group insists that these hikes are avoidable and stem from successive governments’ failure to address the root causes of corruption and mismanagement in the oil industry.

SERAP calls on the government to fulfill its legal obligations to maximize available resources, protect socio-economic rights, and ensure that justice is served for the victims of corruption in the NNPCL.