The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the recent increase in petrol prices and investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a letter, SERAP argued that the price hike is illegal and unconstitutional, exacerbating economic hardships for citizens. The organization claimed that corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector have led to repeated price increases.
SERAP demanded that President Tinubu direct the Attorney General and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate NNPCL’s alleged corruption and mismanagement. The organization threatened legal action if its recommendations are not addressed within 48 hours.
The letter highlighted the NNPCL’s failure to remit oil revenues to the public treasury and its reported refusal to import petroleum products due to a $6 billion debt. SERAP emphasized that investigating and prosecuting corruption allegations would align with the Nigerian Constitution and international anti-corruption obligations.
The organization’s demands include:
- Reversing the petrol price increase
- Investigating NNPCL’s alleged corruption and mismanagement
- Holding accountable those responsible for corruption and mismanagement
- Ensuring transparency and accountability in the oil sector
SERAP’s intervention aims to address the growing poverty and inequality in Nigeria, exacerbated by the petrol price hike. The organization seeks to promote accountability and transparency in the oil sector, ensuring that public funds are used to benefit citizens, not perpetuate corruption.
