The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to review its energy pricing policy and reconsider its position against restoring petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy has intensified the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The group also demanded greater transparency on the utilisation of funds it said accrued to the federation following the removal of petrol subsidy between June 2023 and December 2025.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said the subsidy removal announced by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, had not received adequate national consultation.

The association rejected the argument that the subsidy debate had been concluded, maintaining that Nigerians should be allowed to participate in discussions on policies with significant effects on their livelihoods.

HURIWA said the rising costs of petrol, diesel and cooking gas had compounded the cost-of-living crisis, particularly for low-income earners, workers and pensioners whose purchasing power had been weakened by inflation.

The group referenced a claim by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, that subsidy removal generated N15.8tn for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025.

It said the figure comprised N5.4tn allocated to the Federal Government and N10.4tn shared among state and local governments.

However, HURIWA questioned whether the savings had resulted in tangible improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.

The association acknowledged that the former subsidy regime was associated with corruption, smuggling, rent-seeking and other fiscal leakages but argued that its removal without adequate social protection had transferred the burden of adjustment to ordinary citizens.

It also faulted the argument that reinstating subsidy could create legal and fiscal difficulties and discourage investment in local refining.

HURIWA said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal for a controlled intervention in the oil and gas sector, rather than a return to the previous subsidy system, should be subjected to public debate.

The group called for a broader national discussion on ways to make energy more affordable, protect vulnerable citizens, expand domestic refining capacity and strengthen accountability in the management of public funds.

It also urged the Federal Government to publish verifiable details of how funds saved from subsidy removal had been spent on transportation, healthcare, education, infrastructure, wages and social protection.

HURIWA warned that further increases in energy costs could worsen inflation, push up transportation and food prices, undermine businesses and further reduce household purchasing power.

The association urged the government to review its energy pricing framework and implement measures that would lower costs while preventing the emergence of new channels for corruption.

It further maintained that Nigerians should remain free to peacefully criticise policies they consider detrimental to their welfare, arguing that the removal of subsidy should not bring an end to public debate on its consequences.