The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has fiercely condemned the sudden and arbitrary hike in petrol pump prices under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. In a bold statement released on their official X handle, SERAP labeled the increase as a “travesty” and vowed to take swift legal action if the government does not immediately reverse this “retrogressive measure” against the Nigerian people.
SERAP expressed grave concern over the price hike, which has seen petrol prices soar from around N600 per litre to an alarming N855-N918 per litre, depending on the location of purchase at NNPC stations nationwide. The group highlighted how this sharp increase disproportionately affects millions of Nigerians living in extreme poverty, calling the move “unjust” and “entirely incompatible” with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international human rights obligations.
“The poorest and most marginalized populations in Nigeria should not be forced to bear the brunt of corruption and impunity in the oil sector,” SERAP declared, pointing out that the sudden rise in fuel prices clearly violates Nigeria’s commitments under the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The Covenant, to which Nigeria is a state party, prohibits ‘deliberately retrogressive measures’ unless no viable alternatives exist, and demands that any measures taken must be both necessary and proportionate. According to SERAP, this price hike fails to meet those standards, given Nigeria’s alreadyprecarious economic situation.
SERAP’s statement further criticized the government for its lack of compassion, arguing that this drastic price increase will exacerbate the already high levels of inequality in the country and disproportionately impact the poorest Nigerians. The group warned that the hike sends a clear signal that socio-economic rights are of little priority to the current administration.
“This increase will undoubtedly widen the gap between the rich and poor, hitting vulnerable Nigerians the hardest,” the organization said, calling on the Tinubu government to prioritize human rights and reverse the petrol price hike immediately.
With tensions rising across the nation and mounting criticism from civil society groups, SERAP’s declaration adds to the growing pressure on the Tinubu administration to reconsider its economic policies. Whether or not the government will heed these calls remains to be seen, but SERAP’s pledge to take legal action signals that the fight for economic justice is far from over.
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