The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu for not directing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the recent petrol price hike. SERAP is also pushing for an investigation into alleged corruption and mismanagement within the NNPCL.
Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1361/2024, the suit includes the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the NNPCL as respondents. SERAP is demanding the reversal of the petrol price from N845 per litre to N600 per litre, calling the increase “unjust, illegal, and unconstitutional.”
Additionally, the organization seeks an investigation into the $300 million bailout the NNPCL received from the Federal Government in August 2024 and the $6 billion debt owed to suppliers. SERAP wants anyone involved in corruption within the NNPCL to be prosecuted and any proceeds recovered.
SERAP argues that the petrol price hike exacerbates poverty for Nigerians amid worsening economic conditions. The group also claims the increase violates Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the oil sector.
