Rita Odafe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The lawsuit highlights his failure to order the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to roll back an allegedly unjustified raise in petrol prices and calls for an investigation into corruption and mismanagement within the NNPCL.
Named in the lawsuit are Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, along with NNPCL.
Filed as case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1361/2024 at Abuja’s Federal High Court, SERAP is urging the court to mandate President Tinubu to reduce the petrol price from N845 back to N600 per litre, which they argue is both illegal and unreasonable.
The organization also seeks to compel the President to instruct the Attorney General and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate claims of corruption and mismanagement at the NNPC. This includes scrutiny over a reported $300 million in bailout funds received by the Federal Government in August 2024, alongside questioning the company’s $6 billion debt owed to its suppliers despite not remitting oil revenues to the state treasury.
SERAP argues for accountability and legal action against those found guilty of corruption, based on adequate evidence.
In their submission, they highlight that the rise in petrol prices exacerbates hardship for impoverished individuals, pushing many deeper into poverty as Nigeria’s economic landscape deteriorates.
Furthermore, SERAP emphasizes the importance of holding the NNPC accountable for its alleged misconduct, arguing that this accountability serves the public interest.
Lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, representing SERAP, noted that the price hike violates both constitutional rights and international human rights obligations.
He stated: “The rise in petrol prices fundamentally breaches constitutional protections and Nigeria’s international commitments to human rights.”
Adegboruwa continued, explaining that corruption within the oil sector and the lack of transparency surrounding public funds have contributed to continual and illegal increases in petrol prices.
Raising petrol costs amid worsening economic conditions contradicts Nigeria’s constitutional and international duties to guarantee decent living conditions for its citizens.
The price hike disproportionately affects marginalized communities and those already struggling with poverty, severely threatening their livelihoods and overall well-being.
Reports indicate that the increased prices lead to significant human rights concerns, notably hindering Nigerians’ ability to fully enjoy their rights and engage in civic duties.
Moreover, the fundamental right to life encompasses not only protection against arbitrary deprivation but also necessitates access to conditions for a dignified life.
The rise in poverty and inequality obstructs Nigerians’ participation in democracy and their engagement in governance.
For too long, citizens have been deprived of justice, and the burden of corruption within the oil sector continues to weigh heavily on their capacity to meet even their basic survival needs.
This increase is identified not as a natural occurrence but as a direct outcome of ongoing governmental failures to tackle corruption allegations and lack of accountability within the oil sector.
Moreover, relentless petrol price hikes entrench poverty, thereby fostering lingering discriminatory practices.
The government is legally obliged to use national resources to protect the socio-economic rights of citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
It is also responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption and mismanagement claims concerning the NNPC, ensuring that victims receive justice and redress.
Properly addressing these allegations of corruption in the oil sector aligns with Nigeria’s constitutional mandates and international anti-corruption commitments.
Referencing specific constitutional provisions, Adegboruwa stressed the government’s duty to eradicate corrupt practices and uphold social justice and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
Recent developments reveal that the NNPC has raised petrol prices to between N855 and over N900 per litre, following a supply shortage linked to a $6 billion debt issue with its suppliers.
The NNPC is also accused of failing to deposit $2.04 billion and N164 billion in oil revenues into the public treasury, as per a 2020 audit report.
No date has been set for the legal proceedings.
