The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the cost of petroleum products to N1,030.
In a statement by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) on Saturday, the association expressed concern that such decisions continue to be made without transparent consultation or dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector.
He said, “We therefore call on the government to immediately take steps to reverse this increase and urgently implement measures that cushion the effect of rising fuel prices.
“This should include investment in local refining capacity, public transportation, reduced taxation of the income of low-income earners, repair of public roads, improved security so farmers can farm and evacuate their farm products, transparent fuel pricing mechanisms, and broader economic policies aimed at reducing poverty and providing sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.”
Similarly, the Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has condemned increase in petrol prices saying it was worsening the economc hardship in the country.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr Stephen Nwala, the forum demanded a reversal to the former price, maintaining that the sudden and steep hike in the cost of petrol had triggered widespread hardship, pushing many citizens further into poverty and creating additional strain on businesses and households across the country.
“The timing of this price increase could not be more detrimental as Nigerians are still grappling with the economic fallout from fuel subsidy removal, rising inflation, and the ongoing challenges posed by unemployment and underemployment.
“The decision to raise fuel prices at this critical juncture is not only insensitive but also counterproductive to the government’s stated goals of economic recovery and poverty alleviation even when the national minimum wage increase is yet to be implemented by both state and federal government.
“FOSAD urges the Federal Government to take immediate steps to reverse the fuel price hike and explore alternative measures to address the economic challenges facing the nation.
“It is imperative that the government prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, who are disproportionately affected by such policies,” he said.
