NLC rejects new fuel price fixing which contradicts free market operation
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Bola Tinubu has been urged by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to direct the Nigerian Petroleum Company (NNPC) to withdraw its new fuel pump price template to allow free flow of discussions with the President and other stakeholders.
NLC President Joe Ajaero made the call in a statement which described the price template as vexatious and an ambush that may scuttle dialogue with the federal government.
The NNPC on Wednesday announced a new pump price template of between N488 and N555 per litre at its mega stations, depending on location.
NNPC Group Executive Officer Mele Kyari clarified on Arise TV on Thursday the pump price differential means the cost per litre may be cheaper, say, in Lagos (where fuel imports are discharged), compared with the cost up North in Sokoto and Borno.
But Ajaero argued Abuja cannot in one breath talk of deregulation and at the same time fix the prices of petroleum products.
“We are worried that the government, through the NNPC despite the ongoing meeting of stakeholders in the Oil and Gas sector, [unilaterally fixed the new pricing template],” he said.
“But unfortunate announcement by the President to withdraw subsidy on petroleum products, went ahead this morning to announce a new regime of prices under a new pricing template.
“This is an ambush and runs against the spirit and principles of Social Dialogue which remains the best platform available for the resolution of all the issues arising out of the petroleum down-stream sector.
“This negates the spirit of allowing the operation of the free market unless the government has, as usual, usurped, captured or become market forces.
“It is therefore unacceptable and we seriously condemn it. Good faith negotiation is key to reaching agreement.”
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Undermining dialogue
What the government has done is like holding a gun to the head of Nigerians and bring undue pressure on leaders, thus undermine the dialogue, Ajaero said, per Vanguard.
He warned Nigerians would not accept manipulation of any kind from any of the parties, especially from government representatives.
“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 ambit 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.”