·Says outrageous increase will deepen poverty, hardship
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Federal Government to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the outrageous fuel price increase from N617 per litre to about N900 per litre, saying that the development if allowed to stand, will further deepen the poverty and hardship experienced by the citizens.
The NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), stated this in a statement made available to TheIdeal News on Thursday.
Osigwe added that the significant and abrupt fuel price hike has imposed an unbearable burden on the already overstretched finances of ordinary Nigerians, saying that that development has further aggravated the economic challenges faced by millions across the country.
Acknowledging the necessity of economic reforms and government’s responsibility to make difficult decisions, Osigwe insisted that such decisions must be made with the utmost consideration for their impact on the welfare of the citizens.
The NBA also viewed the sudden price hike as not only harsh but also unjustified at this time and therefore called on the Federal Government to immediately halt the implementation of price hike and engage in meaningful dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations, labour unions, and economic experts, to explore more sustainable and less punitive alternatives.
The association further urged the Federal Government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, and to pursue policies that alleviate rather than exacerbate the hardships faced by the Nigerian people.
The statement reads in part : “The NBA expresses its profound concern and strong condemnation over the recent increase in the pump price of fuel by the NNPCL, which has risen sharply from N617 to about N900.
“The significant and abrupt hike has imposed an unbearable burden on the already overstretched finances of ordinary Nigerians, further aggravating the economic challenges faced by millions across the country.
“The cascading effects of such a steep increase in fuel prices on the cost of living, transportation, and essential goods and services are deeply troubling. Many Nigerians are already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and other forms of hardship, and this additional financial strain is simply unsustainable. If allowed to persist, this price hike will only deepen the poverty and hardship experienced by the citizens.
“While the NBA acknowledges the necessity of economic reforms and recognizes the government’s responsibility to make difficult decisions, these decisions must be made with the utmost consideration for their impact on the welfare of the citizens. The NBA views this sudden price hike as not only harsh but also unjustified at this time.
“In the light of this, the NBA calls on the Federal Government to immediately halt the implementation of this policy and engage in meaningful dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations, labour unions, and economic experts, to explore more sustainable and less punitive alternatives.
“We urge the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, and to pursue policies that alleviate rather than exacerbate the hardships faced by the Nigerian people.
“The NBA remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and will continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of all Nigerians. We stand ready to engage constructively with the government to find a more equitable solution that ensures economic stability while safeguarding the interests of all Nigerians.”
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