The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu, challenging his refusal to reverse the recent petrol price hike and address corruption allegations within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to compel the President to direct relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the NNPCL, particularly concerning the alleged $300 million bailout funds and a $6 billion debt owed to suppliers.
SERAP is demanding a court order requiring President Tinubu to reverse the petrol price from N845 to N600 per liter. The organization emphasizes the government’s responsibility to protect citizens’ socio-economic rights and combat corruption, as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution. Additionally, SERAP argues that the continued price hike is worsening poverty and infringing on citizens’ human rights.
Filed by lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), the suit claims that the increased petrol prices and the government’s inaction undermine Nigerians’ constitutional rights and violate international human rights obligations. The court date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled.