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SERAP Calls on Tinubu to Halt Petrol Price Increase During Court Proceedings
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to promptly reverse the recent increase in petrol prices while a lawsuit questioning the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) authority to raise fuel prices is pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The latest price adjustments have seen petrol retailing for N998 per litre at NNPCL outlets in Lagos, a significant jump from the previous price of N855.
In Abuja, the price has risen to N1,030 from N897, with some stations in Lagos reportedly charging as much as N1,050.
This demand comes on the heels of SERAP’s lawsuit filed last month against President Tinubu and the NNPCL, addressing not only the failure to roll back the fuel price increase but also allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the NNPCL.
SERAP has consistently emphasized that these actions are crucial for the well-being of Nigerian citizens, especially amid the current economic challenges.
In an open letter dated October 12, 2024, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP argued that the recent price hikes undermine the integrity of the ongoing court case, risking the possibility of justice being obstructed.
The organization highlighted that one of the fundamental tenets of the rule of law is its application to everyone, including presidents and executives of public organizations.
SERAP’s letter asserted that maintaining the purity and clarity of the judicial process is vital for public trust in the legal system.
It stressed that the recent increase in petrol prices could prejudice the case’s outcome and damage the public’s confidence in the court’s ability to deliver justice.
The letter referenced President Tinubu’s commitments since assuming office in May 2023, where he assured citizens that Nigeria would be governed in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.
SERAP expressed concern that raising fuel prices while the legal case is ongoing would contradict those assurances and undermine the government’s credibility.
In conclusion, SERAP requested that immediate measures be taken to reverse the price hike and comply with their request.
The organization warned that failure to do so may lead to contempt proceedings or other legal actions aimed at ensuring compliance in the public interest.
SERAP remains committed to holding public institutions accountable and fighting for the rights of Nigerians, emphasizing the necessity of transparency and good governance.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reportedly declared a strike at Taraba State University over outstanding salary-related demands and delays in payments.
The strike is scheduled to begin today, October 12, 2026. According to the union’s chairman, the union had been engaging the Taraba State Government over its outstanding demands since February 2026.
“The union had exercised considerable patience and demonstrated its commitment to dialogue since February 2026, when it began engaging the Taraba State Government over the outstanding issues,” Mbave said.
“The union had earlier suspended its planned industrial action following an appeal by the government for additional time through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, in the interest of maintaining industrial harmony,” the chairman added.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Torseer Yina, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
The curfew takes effect from Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests in the area.
According to reports, the action was taken to contain the unrest and violent protests by members of BEMOA following the death of one of its members by unknown gunmen.
The protest, which was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, turned violent after an angry mob burnt two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The Gboko council chairman said the curfew takes effect immediately and warned that anyone caught flouting the order or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.
Nine people have died in a fatal road crash along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred on Monday at about 4:55pm around the Bethel area along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore axis of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Delta Line and a white Sino truck operated by Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all nine people involved in the crash, comprising three males and six females, died in the incident.
The FRSC said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road was wet, with preliminary investigations identifying speed violation as the probable cause.
The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report, while the bodies of the victims were taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ijebu-Ode.
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey speed limits and exercise extra caution when driving in the rain.
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