The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued an urgent 48-hour ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, demanding the immediate reversal of what they consider an unlawful increase in petrol prices. The organization has also called for a comprehensive probe into alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In an open letter dated September 7, 2024, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urges President Tinubu to leverage his leadership position to direct the NNPCL to roll back the recent hike in the price of premium motor spirit (PMS). SERAP contends that this increase constitutes a fundamental breach of constitutional guarantees and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
SERAP’s demands extend to a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption within the NNPCL. These allegations include the mismanagement of a reported $300 million in ‘bailout funds’ and a staggering $6 billion debt owed to suppliers. The organization insists that the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, along with relevant anti-corruption agencies, should probe these claims and ensure that any implicated individuals are prosecuted if sufficient evidence is found.
The letter critiques the government’s approach, arguing that the petrol price increase worsens poverty and inequality, placing additional financial strain on already impoverished Nigerians. SERAP believes that the recent hike is a direct result of ongoing corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, which successive governments have failed to address.
SERAP emphasizes that the increase in petrol prices is not inevitable but rather a consequence of systemic failures in tackling corruption and ensuring transparency in the oil sector. They argue that the government’s inaction has led to the current economic hardships, pushing more citizens into deeper poverty.
The letter stresses the importance of holding the NNPCL accountable for its alleged mismanagement and corruption. SERAP asserts that addressing these issues would serve the public interest and help alleviate the economic burden on the most vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, SERAP warns that if the President does not act within the 48-hour deadline, the organization will consider taking legal action to compel the government to meet their demands. They argue that reversing the petrol price increase and addressing corruption are critical to upholding Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations and ensuring the protection of socio-economic rights for all citizens.
