SERAP Demands Reversal Of Latest Petrol Price Hike, Cites Pending Court Case
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called for the immediate reversal of the recent petrol price increase in Nigeria. The organization urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the price hike, pending the outcome of a legal case challenging the company’s authority to raise fuel prices.
SERAP’s request follows a second price increase in just one month, with NNPCL stations in Lagos now selling petrol at ₦998 per litre, up from ₦855. In Abuja, the price jumped to ₦1,030 from ₦897, while in some parts of Lagos, petrol prices have reached ₦1,050 per litre.
In an open letter dated October 12, 2024, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP criticized the timing of the increase, stating that it “makes a mockery of the case pending before the Federal High Court” and risks obstructing justice. SERAP emphasized that the rule of law applies to all, including the president and public institutions.
“The latest increase in petrol prices would prejudice and undermine the ability of the court to do justice in the case, damage public confidence in the court, and impede the course of justice,” the letter stated.
SERAP had previously sued the president and NNPCL over an earlier price increase, citing concerns about corruption and mismanagement at the NNPCL. The lawsuit also questions the legality of the NNPCL’s authority to raise petrol prices without proper oversight.
In the letter made public on Sunday, SERAP argued that reversing the price increase would allow the Federal High Court to address the central issues of the case and uphold justice, in line with the Nigerian Constitution. It further warned that failing to reverse the increase would “seriously undermine the integrity of the Nigerian Constitution and have serious consequences for the most vulnerable Nigerians.”
“If not immediately reversed, the latest increase in petrol prices would severely impact the rights of citizens, particularly the disadvantaged, and undermine public interest,” SERAP added.
The organization also pointed to a recent report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, which accused the NNPCL of failing to remit over USD$2 billion and ₦164 billion in oil revenues to the Federation Account. SERAP expressed concerns that these funds may have been misappropriated and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
SERAP’s lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja (suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1361/2024), also named Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as a respondent. The organization insists that allowing the NNPCL to raise prices while the case is pending would compromise the court’s ability to deliver a fair ruling.
“The core principle of judicial independence is the complete liberty of the judge to hear and decide cases based on facts and in accordance with the law, without any improper interference,” the letter concluded.
SERAP has threatened to pursue contempt proceedings or other legal actions if the government and NNPCL fail to comply with their demand for a price reversal.
