NLC Queries Fuel Pump Increase By NNPCL
…Says NNPCL pricing templates is vexatious, and an ambush
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) today, 21st May, questioned the adjustment of pump prices by the Nigerian National Petrol Company Limited (NNPCL).
Recall on Monday, 29th May, 2023 during the inaugural speech of President Bola Tinubu at Eagle Square, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja announced an end to the subsidy era. This resulted the NNPCL confirmed the hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit also known as petrol.
Since the presidential pronouncement, fuel queues have resurfaced across the country as Nigerians forage for the premium product which was rose from around N185 per litre to between N400 and N600 per litre.
Bothered by the situation, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, issued a statement expressing worry that the national oil company would announce an increment.
Recounting the development as unfortunate, Ajaero opined that the NNPCL’s action was coming on the heels of an ongoing meeting with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to manage the unilateral but unfortunate announcement by the President.
“It is therefore unacceptable and we seriously condemn it. Good faith negotiation is the key to reaching agreement. What the government has done is like holding a gun to the head of Nigerian people and bringing undue pressure on the leaders thus undermine the negotiation,” Ajaero said.
“We call on the federal government to immediately instruct the NNPC to withdraw this annoying pricing template to allow free flow of discussions by the parties. Nigerians would not accept any manipulations of any kind from any of the parties especially from the representatives of the Government.
“Our commitment to this process is buoyed on the fact that all the parties would be committed to ensuring that it is carried out within the ambits of liberty without undue pressure. The release of that Template may not allow us to continue if nothing is done to withdraw it so that the dialogue can continue unhindered. It is clear that Government is actually trying to scuttle the process.
“As it stands, the federal government has become fixated on their chosen course of action. Would this help this dialogue? It clearly will not. There must be flexibility to allow concessions and reasonable accommodation that will produce the best result for Nigerian people. This is what we all seek at this time.”
