Story Summary:
- Fuel Price Hike: NNPCL raises petrol prices to N855–N897 per litre.
- NBA Reaction: President Afam Osigwe criticizes the increase, calling it “deeply troubling.”
- Economic Impact: Osigwe warns the price hike will worsen poverty and hardship for Nigerians.
- Government Call: NBA urges suspension of the policy and dialogue with stakeholders for sustainable solutions.
- Welfare Focus: NBA demands prioritization of citizen welfare and policies to alleviate, not worsen, hardships.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has sharply criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for its recent fuel price hike, which has seen petrol prices soar to between N855 and N897 per litre at retail stations.
In a statement released on Thursday, Afam Osigwe, the NBA President, expressed profound dismay over the increase, labeling it “deeply troubling” and warning that it would exacerbate the poverty crisis gripping the nation.
“The impact of this drastic fuel price hike on the cost of living, transportation, and essential goods is alarming,” Osigwe stated. “Nigerians are already battling inflation, unemployment, and various hardships. This additional financial burden is unbearable and unsustainable. If this trend continues, it will only intensify the poverty and suffering faced by our citizens.”
Osigwe acknowledged the need for economic reforms and the government’s role in making difficult decisions but stressed that such decisions should be made with “careful consideration.”
He called on the federal government to halt the implementation of the new pricing policy and engage in discussions with relevant stakeholders to find more viable alternatives.
The NBA also urged the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, and to implement policies that alleviate, rather than compound, the challenges faced by Nigerians.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights, the NBA expressed its willingness to work constructively with the government to seek a balanced solution that ensures economic stability while safeguarding the interests of the people.
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