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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch has issued a strong demand for the reversal of the recent fuel price hike and a reduction in electricity tariffs to the government.
NBA also called on the government to address the mounting economic challenges facing citizens.
The association made this demand on Wednesday during a press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Their demand comes as inflation reaches its highest levels in years, severely impacting the purchasing power of low- and middle-income families and exacerbating the already dire economic situation.
While addressing the journalists, Mr Oluwaseyi Olawumi, Chairman, NBA, Ikeja Branch highlighted the cascading effects of the fuel price increase, while emphasizing that the rise in costs has significantly burdened consumer expenditure, transportation, healthcare, and education.
The Association also pointed out that the fuel price was initially assured not to increase as part of the rationale for the national minimum wage of N70,000, making the recent hike particularly distressing for many.
The economic landscape is now fraught with challenges that threaten the stability and well-being of citizens. The combined effects of the fuel price surge and a staggering 250% increase in electricity tariffs have disproportionately affected the middle class, while pushing many microenterprises to the brink of collapse.
The NBA stated that Nigerian consumers are experiencing a notable decline in their financial well-being, with rising costs of essential goods contributing to increased poverty.
The association further warned that these economic pressures are leading to social unrest and have implications for the mental health of the populace. The NBA Ikeja called for the government to take decisive action, listing several key demands:
In addition to these demands, the NBA urged the government to implement targeted policies that address the economic burdens on vulnerable groups.
Titilope Joseph has a Diploma and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, both from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Since 2010, she has covered the entertainment and society beats. She currently covers the Judiciary for Independent.
