The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust has raised concerns over the persistent increase in fuel prices in Nigeria, warning that the situation is deepening hardship for many citizens.
The concern was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the organisation’s Country Director, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu.
In the statement, the group said the steady rise in fuel prices is placing significant pressure on ordinary Nigerians, resulting in higher transportation fares, increased food prices, and a general rise in the cost of living nationwide.
“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 pointed out that Nigeria is an oil-producing country with substantial petroleum resources and existing refining capacity, making the situation difficult for many citizens to comprehend.
“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 international oil prices may experience fluctuations, Nigerians believe the country’s natural resources should provide some level of economic relief to 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 noted that the current situation suggests otherwise, as the rising cost of fuel continues to add pressure on households already struggling with economic difficulties.
“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 urged the country’s leadership to address the issue 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 appealed to key stakeholders, particularly members of the National Assembly of Nigeria, to examine the situation and take appropriate steps to resolve 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 emphasised that the wellbeing of Nigerians must remain a major priority in the management of the nation’s resources.
“The wellbeing of the Nigerian people must remain a central priority in the management of our national resources,” the statement concluded.
