NBA asks FG to address fuel price hike, economic hardship

File photo: Fuel queue in a petrol station

The Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, has called on the government to urgently reverse recent economic measures causing hardship for  Nigerians, particularly the fuel price increase and power tariff hike.

The association criticised the policies, describing them as “anti-people”  and demanded that the administration take swift action to alleviate the economic burdens on citizens.

The Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the NBA, Mr Oluwaseyi Olawumi, made the call on Tuesday at the branch office in Lagos, during a press conference.

Olawumi expressed concern over the impact of rising fuel costs on inflation, daily living expenses and Nigerian’s financial health.

“Citizens across this country are experiencing unprecedented challenges due to the hike in fuel prices, which is driving inflation and directly impacting households, microenterprises, and consumer expenditure,” he stated.

He further pointed out that the latest minimum wage adjustment to N70,000 was agreed upon based on government assurances that the petrol pump price would not exceed N600 per litre.

“This hike defies those assurances and has brought unprecedented pain, hardship, and suffering to Nigerians,” he added.

The chairman further highlighted the economic struggles faced by Nigerians amid the fuel hike and 250 per cent electricity tariff hike, noting that the increases had wiped out the middle class and strained businesses across multiple sectors.

“Where businesses are not crippled, they are forced to adopt extreme measures to survive in the face of economic headwinds,” Olawumi said.

To address the hardship, the NBA demanded a rollback of the petrol price increase, a reversal of the electricity tariff hike, and an end to policies that foster economic hardship.

“We call for a cessation of all anti-people policies that engender hunger and insecurity,” said Olawumi.

Additionally, he urged the government to reduce the cost of an “over-bloated government” and prioritise policies that support citizens’ well-being.

The NBA also proposed various interventions, calling for targeted relief programmes, subsidies for essential goods, and policies to tackle income inequality and support the vulnerable.

Olawumi stressed that “subsidies on essential commodities are crucial, especially for vulnerable populations.”

He called on states with existing welfare schemes, like Lagos’ “Ounje Eko” programme, to expand these initiatives.

The association also emphasised the need for “transparent regulatory oversight” in pricing mechanisms to prevent exploitative practices,  particularly within the fuel and essential goods sectors.

Olawumi advised that the government should make investments in sustainable energy and engage stakeholders to build economic resilience.

“With collaborative efforts, Nigeria can chart a path towards economic prosperity and stability,” he noted.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by the legal system in such tough times, the NBA urged that “access to justice should remain a right for all citizens,” despite economic hardships.

The association emphasised that the rule of law must be upheld, with support for programmes that protect individuals’ rights.

Olawumi called on both federal and state governments to take meaningful steps to address the current situation.

“We hope, with great optimism, that our government will heed this call. Together, we can work towards a society where economic hardship does not erode the fundamental rights of its citizens,” he said.

Olawumi assured that the NBA Ikeja would continue to advocate for Nigerians, stating, “We will not hesitate to challenge policies that bring hardship upon the people.”