The Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed grave concerns regarding Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, highlighting the immense hardships inflicted upon citizens by the recent increase in fuel prices and the resulting inflation. The association warns that these economic pressures have driven up the costs of essential goods, transportation, healthcare, and education, placing a disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income families, small businesses, and ordinary households.
In particular, the NBA voiced disappointment with the government’s decision to raise fuel prices, especially in light of prior assurances by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the price per liter of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) would remain steady at around N600. The NBA argues that this hike has eroded public trust and further strained citizens’ faith in government commitments.
The NBA Ikeja Branch has outlined the following demands:
- Immediate reversal of the recent PMS price increase nationwide.
- Reversal of the 250% hike in electricity tariffs.
- An end to all policies deemed detrimental to public welfare.
- Reduction in the cost of governance, addressing what the association describes as an “over-bloated” government.
The NBA Ikeja Branch calls for urgent government intervention and stresses the importance of policy adjustments to ease the economic burden on citizens. The association advocates for a thorough review of economic data, theoretical insights, and comparative analyses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fuel price increase’s multifaceted impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
Furthermore, the association underscores the importance of preserving access to justice during these challenging times. It urges the government to continue funding and supporting programs that uphold citizens’ rights, ensuring that economic challenges do not limit access to justice.
Call for Swift Action
The NBA Ikeja Branch calls on the government to prioritize these concerns, with the hope that immediate action will alleviate citizens’ hardships and protect fundamental rights.