The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, challenging the government's failure to reverse the increase in petrol prices and investigate alleged corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the NNPCL are also named as respondents in the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
SERAP seeks a court order compelling President Tinubu to reverse the petrol price hike from N845 to N600 per litre and to direct anti-corruption agencies to investigate claims of corruption and mismanagement within the NNPCL. These allegations include the misappropriation of $300 million in bailout funds and the accumulation of $6 billion in debt owed to suppliers.
SERAP argues that the petrol price increase is unconstitutional and exacerbates the suffering of Nigerians, particularly those already living in poverty. The group also claims that corruption and lack of accountability within the oil sector have led to persistent fuel price hikes, further worsening socioeconomic conditions and undermining Nigerians' human rights.