The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday asked the Federal Government to reverse the pump price increase.
It said policies should be made with sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.
The association, in a statement by its President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the hike to N1,030 per litre “further exacerbates the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly those already struggling to make ends meet.”
Fuel price increases, the NBA said, “ have a cascading effect on virtually every aspect of daily life in Nigeria,” leaving costs of living, transportation, food, and other goods and services to rise continually.
It added: “On November 4, 2024, the NBA issued a statement strongly opposing the fuel price hike from N617 to N900 per litre.
“At that time, we highlighted the severe financial strain this imposed on the average Nigerian household, and the latest increase only compounds these difficulties.
“Such drastic adjustments to fuel prices, with no adequate mitigating measures or economic relief, signal a disturbing trend of disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian populace.
“The much needed tax breaks and social assistance programs are yet to be implemented. People are groaning and life has become more difficult.
“The NBA is particularly concerned that such decisions continue to be made without transparent consultation or dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector.
“The government’s seeming disregard for the suffering of the people is troubling. Nigerians deserve better— they deserve a government that prioritises their well-being and takes into account the real-world implications of its policies on the populace.
“We, therefore,.call on the government to immediately take steps to reverse this increase and urgently implement measures that cushion the effect of rising fuel prices.
“This should include investment in local refining capacity, public transportation, reduced taxation of the income of low-income earners, repair of public roads, improved security so farmers can farm and evacuate their farm products, transparent fuel pricing mechanisms, and broader economic policies aimed at reducing poverty and providing sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
“The NBA remains committed to advocating for policies that promote justice, fairness, and equity for all Nigerians.
