ABUJA, Nigeria – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu for allegedly failing to reverse the recent petrol price hike and to investigate corruption allegations within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.
The lawsuit, filed on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, also names the Attorney General of the Federation and the NNPCL as respondents.
In the suit, SERAP is seeking an order compelling President Tinubu to direct the NNPCL to reverse the recent increase in petrol prices, which jumped from N600 to N855 per litre at some retail outlets.
The advocacy organisation argues that the price hike is “unjust, illegal, unconstitutional, and unreasonable” and is causing significant hardship, particularly for economically vulnerable Nigerians.
SERAP is also calling for an investigation into alleged corruption and mismanagement at the NNPCL, particularly regarding the spending of $300 million in bailout funds collected from the federal government in August 2024 and the $6 billion debt owed to petroleum suppliers.
Worsening Economic Hardship
In its suit, SERAP argues that the increase in petrol prices comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are already struggling with worsening economic conditions, pushing many further into poverty.
The organization emphasises that such price hikes disproportionately affect marginalized communities and violate the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations.
“The increase in petrol price constitutes a fundamental breach of constitutional guarantees and the country’s international human rights obligations,” the group stated, adding that corruption in the oil sector has played a significant role in the persistent and unlawful hikes in fuel prices.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
SERAP is also pressing for the government to take action against those involved in alleged corrupt practices within the NNPCL, calling for a full investigation and prosecution if sufficient evidence is found.
The organisation argues that holding the NNPCL accountable would serve the public interest and help address long-standing issues of corruption in Nigeria’s oil sector.
“The arbitrary increase has placed a disproportionate burden on the marginalized and most vulnerable sectors of society,” SERAP stated, warning that it threatens the living conditions and human rights of millions of Nigerians.
Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit
The suit cites various provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, including Section 13, which mandates the government to apply the principles of Chapter 2 of the Constitution.
It also references Section 15(5), which calls on the government to abolish corrupt practices, and Section 16, which emphasises the government’s responsibility to ensure the welfare of citizens and the equitable distribution of the country’s resources.
Allegations Against the NNPCL
SERAP’s lawsuit follows reports of the NNPCL’s alleged failure to remit $2.04 billion and N164 billion of oil revenues to the public treasury, as highlighted in a recent Auditor-General’s report.
The organisation is asking the court to order the government to probe these allegations and recover any proceeds of corruption.
The NNPCL’s recent petrol price increase has also been linked to a scarcity caused by suppliers’ refusal to import petroleum products over the company’s $6 billion debt.
As of now, no date has been set for the hearing of the case. SERAP continues to advocate for accountability, urging the Tinubu administration to address the persistent issues of corruption and financial mismanagement in Nigeria’s oil sector.
