The Nigeria Labour Congress has lamented the federal government’s announcement of a new price regime following President Bola Ahmed Timubu’s declaration of putting an end to fuel subsidy payments.
The NLC in a statement on Wednesday said that the NNPC has flouted rules of engagement as the union was still in talks with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to manage the ongoing situation across the country.
Voice of Nigeria reports that since Tuesday, a day after the inauguration of President Tinubu, where he announced the total removal of fuel subsidy would take effect in a month’s time, the product has become scarce, and where available, are sold for double the previous price. (From N230 to N540).
The NLC argued that government needs to address the issue of deregulation before focusing on fuel price.
“Government cannot in one breath be talking about deregulation and at the same time fixing the prices of petroleum products. This negates the spirit of allowing the operation of the free market.”
The NLC further called for negotiations in order to reach an agreeable price for petroleum products across the country.
“We call on the federal government to immediately instruct he NNPC to withdraw this pricing template and allow for free flow of discussions,” it said.
The statement, signed by NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, further urged the government to give room for flexibility to allow concessions and agreements that would be in the best interest of Nigerians.
Full press statement
