THUR SEPT 05 2024-theGBJournal| The Federal Government is facing intense criticism from multiple fronts over the recent hike in petrol pump price to close N1000 per litre.
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as well as SERAP have joined the growing list of bodies condemning the petrol price hike even as the Federal Government remain silent on the matter.
SERAP in a statement Wednesday, signalled its intension to take appropriate legal action to challenge the travesty if the administration fails to immediately reverse this retrogressive measure against the Nigerian people.
SERAP said the hike is unjust to many people living in extreme poverty, and entirely incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international human rights obligations.
”We are concerned about the change in the pump prices, from around N600 to N855/litre, N918/litre and above, depending on the area of purchase at NNPC stations across the country.
The increase in the petrol pump price clearly violates Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which the country is a state party, not to take ‘deliberately retrogressive measures’ unless there are no alternative options and full consideration has been given to ensure that the measures are necessary and proportionate.”
The NBA decried the fuel price hike, and called for immediate reconsideration.
”This significant and abrupt hike has imposed an unbearable burden on the already overstretched finances of ordinary Nigerians, further aggravating the economic challenges faced by millions across the country,” the NBA said in a statement signed by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe.
The NBA adds that; ”the cascading effects of such a steep increase in fuel prices on the cost of living, transportation, and essential goods and services are deeply troubling.
Many Nigerians are already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and other forms of hardship, and this additional financial strain is simply unsustainable. If allowed to persist, this price hike will only deepen the poverty and hardship experienced by the citizens.”
NECA while condemning the increase, noted that Nigerians are now paying for the inefficiency of NNPC Limited.
Similarly, manufacturers associations such as NACCIMA, LCCI have expressed worry over the impact of the hike on jobs and the economy.
The list is endless.
Meanwhile, the petrol remains scarce across the country with petrol stations shut and motorists queuing for days now to get a drop of it.
The price, where it is found is high as N1200 per litre and many Nigerians are forced to strain to get to their place of work.
The Federal Government have so far remained mute, refusing to comment or respond to the plea to reconsider the hike.
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