…warns against fuel price hike
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the continued implementation of the naira-to-crude deal between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as well as other indigenous refineries.
The Group warned that altering or discontinuing the arrangement would trigger a sudden and indiscriminate hike in the pump prices of petroleum products, deepening the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by Emmanuel Onwubiko,
its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA appealed to President Tinubu to act swiftly, especially in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
The Group urged the president to direct relevant ministers to reach an agreement that would sustain the naira-to-crude deal.
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“We make this public supplication because any alteration to this deal would result in excruciating hardships and worsen the multidimensional poverty affecting millions of struggling households,” HURIWA said.
The rights Group emphasised that leadership should be rooted in compassion and accountability, not mere theatrics or rhetoric.
It urged the Government to prioritise policies that protect public welfare and economic stability, particularly for small and medium-scale businesses that depend on petrol-powered generators for electricity.
HURIWA expressed concern that ending the naira-to-crude deal would escalate operational costs for businesses, potentially leading to mass closures and job losses.
It noted that even public sector workers would struggle to cope with the anticipated increase in transportation costs, given their meagre salaries.
The Group also highlighted a growing sense of public anxiety as stakeholders in the downstream oil and gas sector, awaiting Government’s decision on the deal.
“Petrol prices have already risen from around N860 to over N930 per litre within a week, and experts fear that prices could surge to N1,000 per litre if the agreement is not renewed”, HURIWA noted.
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HURIWA recalled that the initial six-month naira-to-crude deal, which commenced in October 2024, officially ends on March 31, 2025. However, negotiations for an extension remain unresolved, causing uncertainty in the fuel market.
“Adding to the challenge, the Dangote refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is expected to shut down its petrol-producing unit for maintenance in June, lasting about 30 days. This temporary halt could further aggravate fuel scarcity and drive up prices”, it added.
HURIWA accused the Tinubu’s administration of implementing “draconian and anti-poor economic policies” that have plunged millions into destitution and mass hunger.
The Group called for humane governance that prioritises the well-being of citizens, urging the president to address the expanding crisis of mass poverty instead of merely showcasing public prayers without translating them into compassionate leadership.
According to HURIWA, the Government must take urgent steps to stabilise fuel prices and shield vulnerable Nigerians from further economic shocks. Failure to do so, the Group warned, would amount to hypocrisy and a betrayal of public trust.