The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust has expressed concern over the continuous rise in fuel prices in Nigeria, warning that the development is worsening hardship for many citizens.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Country Director of the organisation, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, on Monday.
In the statement, the group said the persistent increase in fuel prices is placing a heavy burden on ordinary Nigerians, leading to higher transportation costs, rising food prices, and an overall increase in the cost of living across the country.
“The International Human Rights Commission- Relief Fund Trust expresses serious concern over the continuous rise in fuel prices in Nigeria and the growing hardship it is causing for ordinary citizens,” the statement said.
The organisation noted that Nigeria is an oil-producing nation with significant petroleum resources and some refining capacity, making the situation difficult for many citizens to understand.
“Nigeria is an oil-producing country with significant petroleum resources and existing refining capacity. Many citizens therefore find it difficult to understand why domestic fuel prices continue to increase despite these advantages,” the statement added.
According to the group, although global oil prices sometimes fluctuate, Nigerians expect that the country’s natural resources should provide some form of economic relief for the population.
“While global oil prices may fluctuate, the expectation of Nigerians is that the nation’s natural resources should translate into economic relief and shared benefits for its people,” the organisation stated.
However, it said the current reality appears to be different, as rising fuel prices continue to put additional pressure on households already facing economic challenges.
“Unfortunately, the opposite appears to be the case, as rising fuel prices continue to place additional pressure on already struggling households,” the statement said.
The organisation therefore called on the country’s leadership to respond to the situation with urgency, transparency and a strong sense of responsibility toward citizens.
“We call on the leadership of the country to act with urgency, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the welfare of citizens,” the statement noted.
It also urged stakeholders, especially members of the National Assembly of Nigeria, to review the situation and take steps that would address the growing concern.
“We also urge all relevant stakeholders, particularly members of the National Assembly, to carefully review the situation and take appropriate measures to address this growing concern,” the statement added.
IHRC stressed that the wellbeing of Nigerians must remain a top priority in the management of the country’s resources.
“The wellbeing of the Nigerian people must remain a central priority in the management of our national resources,” the statement concluded.
