The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Ikeja Branch has called on President Bola Tinubu to end all anti-people policies that engender hunger and insecurity in the country.
The NBA Chairman, Oluwaseyi Olawumi said this at a press conference held at NBA Secretariat on Tuesday in Lagos.
He made known the stance on issues on frequent fuel price hike and the general state of the nation.
The association urges the Nigerian government and policymakers to delineate the complicated impacts of fuel price hikes and inflation on individuals, businesses, and socio-economic structures.
The association is unsettled that economic pressures are not only straining individual financial stability but also signal looming threats to the overarching economic well-being of Nigerians at large and far-reaching impacts on welfare, physical and mental well-being of the citizenry, social justice, the rule of law, and the stability of the society.
According to Olawumi, “Inflation is now at its highest in years, reducing purchasing power and disproportionately impacting low-and middle-income families who are already vulnerable and the combined effects of this fuel price hike and 250% power tariff hike has apart from wiping out the middle class in the economic pyramid, brought unprecedented pain, hardship and suffering on the generality of the people of this country.”
Proffering a multi-prong approaches to the government on how to wriggle out of the country’s challenges, the NBA stated further, “We recommend that the efficacy of existing policies in addressing these adversities be scrutinized and strategies that nurture economic resilience and prosperity be proffered.
The group through the NBA Chairman also called on government to subsidise essential commodities to alleviate the burden, particularly on vulnerable groups across different States.
Aside that, NBA stated,”Policy interventions that target income inequality and provide social safety nets are particularly important in addressing the burden of rising living costs, especially for vulnerable populations.
“Transparent and accountable regulatory oversight in pricing mechanisms should be designed and deployed to prevent exploitative practices in the fuel and essential goods sectors and across all strata of business engagements.
“Government should engage long-term strategies to foster economic resilience, including investments in sustainable energy and economic reforms in order to curb inflationary trends.
Mouthing “Stakeholder engagement: Through a concerted effort with collaborators and progressive interests, government can implement effective strategies and nurture international cooperation. We can chart a path towards economic resilience and prosperity and as such, pave the way for sustainable solutions that safeguard the financial stability of individuals and the society in general.
“Furthermore, the Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja emphasises that access to justice should not be compromised during these economically trying times. Rising costs should not be a barrier to the legal system, and we urge continued support for programs that protect individuals’ rights, ensuring that justice remains accessible to all.
“In traversing this unstable terrain, we are steadfast in our belief that informed policy interventions are pivotal in safeguarding the economic welfare of individuals and fortifying our societal fabric against the tides of uncertainty. As advocates for justice, the rule of law, and an egalitarian society, we remain committed to supporting measures that can lead to a fairer and more stable economy,” the group noted.
