Prof. Joy Ezeilo of UNN Addresses Fuel Scarcity and Price Hikes in Nigeria

In the wake of persistent fuel scarcity and unfulfilled promises surrounding local refineries, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, a former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking and ex-Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has voiced her concerns about the challenges facing Nigeria's path to recovery. In a recent post on her X (formerly Twitter) handle, Prof. Ezeilo emphasized that despite the difficulties, the journey to redemption is one that good-spirited Nigerians remain committed to, refusing to give up hope for a more accountable public sector.

Prof. Ezeilo's statements come amid ongoing fuel scarcity and arbitrary petroleum price hikes in Nigeria, with government agencies offering inconsistent information about when the situation might improve. Unfulfilled promises to bring local refineries back into production have added to public frustration.

SEE THIS: UNN 2023-2024: Hostel Portal Open for Newly Admitted Students

According to Prof. Ezeilo, a significant part of the problem is the lack of accountability among public officials who are tasked with addressing these issues. She notes that officials often make false promises about refinery turnarounds and seem to operate without facing consequences. This has eroded public trust, leading to disappointment among Nigerians who expect better governance and transparency.

RELATED: How to apply for a hostel in UNN

In one of her tweets, Prof. Ezeilo referred to a news report suggesting that the Port Harcourt refinery would start production by March 28, 2024. However, the deadline has passed with little progress. Prof. Ezeilo commented that instead of talking about when refineries would start production, the authorities should demonstrate real results by allowing the media to show live coverage of functioning refineries and crude oil trucks being loaded.

YOU MISSED: UNN Mandates Evacuation of Hostels as 2022-2024 Academic Session Wraps Up

Despite the grim outlook, Prof. Ezeilo remains hopeful, stating that the road to redemption is a long and challenging journey, but one that committed Nigerians are determined to undertake. She concluded by emphasizing the need for a more accountable public sector and the importance of continuing to push for transparency and integrity in governance.

The ongoing fuel crisis in Nigeria highlights the urgent need for effective solutions and a public sector that meets its obligations with honesty and accountability. The public's willingness to persist in demanding change reflects a shared hope for a brighter future, despite the difficulties that lie ahead.

Follow MySchoolnews for more updates.