Lawyers, SERAP Criticize Tinubu’s Policies On Fuel Price Hike

Legal experts have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration for recent increases in fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and tuition fees, arguing that these policies have caused severe hardship for Nigerians and violate the Nigerian Constitution.

The lawyers assert that Tinubu’s actions contradict Chapter 2 of the Constitution, which mandates the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also criticized the fuel price hike, deeming it incompatible with both the Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

SERAP highlighted that the fuel price increase breaches Nigeria’s commitments under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited recently raised petrol prices from N580 to N855 per litre, sparking public outrage.

Human rights lawyer Supo Ojo stated that the inability to manage the economy and safeguard citizens’ welfare violates Chapter 2 of the Constitution. Similarly, constitutional lawyer Akin Bajepade noted that Tinubu’s economic policies contradict the provisions of Sections 14 and 16 of the Constitution, which emphasize government responsibility for welfare.

However, UK-based Nigerian lawyer Dr. Misbau Lateef argued that while Chapter 2 outlines aspirational goals, it is not legally enforceable, and the government’s responsibility to provide welfare and security is not measurable in legal terms.