Rita Odafe
Allegations Against President Tinubu Regarding Fuel Price Hikes
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu and Dangote Refinery related to the rising fuel prices.
The group claims these constant price increases are part of Tinubu’s agenda to benefit his associates rather than the general populace. According to a statement by Emmanuel Onwubiko, the national coordinator of HURIWA, “The ongoing hikes in fuel and petroleum product prices are not intended to aid the common people of Nigeria.”
They further stated, “The primary aim is to financially reward those allies connected to the current administration.”
HURIWA emphasizes that the increased fuel costs have exacerbated the price instability of essential food items, leading to severe socioeconomic issues including malnutrition in children, rising hunger, educational deprivation, and in extreme cases, starvation and premature deaths.
They pointed out that while the impoverished population struggles with debilitating living costs, a select few in the oil and gas sector are reaping substantial profits, as highlighted by recent data.
The association urged oil and gas companies to initiate corporate responsibility programs to assist the growing number of impoverished Nigerians.
They warned that failure to do so could create a volatile business environment, stating, “If the poor cannot rest due to hunger, the rich will also find no peace, as the discontented poor remain awake.”
HURIWA also backed allegations made by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), which accused marketers, including Dangote Refinery, of colluding to increase fuel prices unjustly. The group is calling on the public to pressure the National Assembly to investigate these claims.
According to reports from the Nigeria Labour Congress, they accused the Dangote Group and oil marketers of working together to exploit Nigerians regarding PMS pricing after their recent National Executive Council meeting.
The union also urged the government to promptly reactivate the Port Harcourt Refinery along with other state-owned refineries.
HURIWA cited figures revealing that six companies in the oil and gas sector earned N2.97 trillion in revenue over the first nine months of 2024, a staggering 115% increase from N1.39 trillion during the same period in 2023.
The profit before tax surged to N626.3 billion, marking a 384% jump from the N129.43 billion reported in 2023.
HURIWA concluded by urging the Federal Government to cease harmful policies that deepen the struggles of Nigerians while enriching a few, stating, “The government must take steps to restore dignity and value to the Naira to prevent its further decline.”
