The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed disapproval of the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as fuel, at the pump, calling it the pinnacle of insensitivity towards the general public.
As oil marketers denied being held accountable for the recent spike in PMS prices across the country, senior NLC officials revealed this in separate interviews with our correspondents on Sunday.
According to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the $20 billion Lekki-based plant was not the cause of the increase in petrol prices; rather, it was the result of rising crude oil prices, which are a key component of refined petroleum products.
Recall that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and many depot owners increased the price of petrol on Friday, causing the pump prices to increase to between N1,050 and N1,150 per litre.
Since crude oil, the primary ingredient in fuel manufacture, has been rising recently, dealers affirmed that PMS prices would continue to grow.
In response, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, the Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, contended that in a more sensible setting, representatives from the organised private sector, workers, and students would have been invited to a roundtable to discuss the options and weigh the potential outcomes before making a decision.
“This increase in pump prices will impact more than just food and transportation,” he stated.
“The value of the naira and inflation are issues to deal with. Rather, we are witnessing a phenomenon that we have named Tinubunomics. In other words, it hasn’t been tried.
“When you mention subsidies, is there a nation that doesn’t have them? Everywhere throughout the world. The vast majority of Chinese items that are sold in this country are also subsidised. Along with refusing to even help the so-called CNG buses, you are also refusing to subsidise fuel. How many years are needed to complete such a task?
“If you are aware of the type of game that we (the NLC) and they are playing, currently, the so-called CNG conversion does not even include the public. It is not just you who should speak if you pledge to lead an inclusive administration. However, they call someone a member of the Obidient movement and deploy attack dogs to attack them when they speak.”
In addition, Ndubuaku stressed that President Bola Tinubu would be wise to follow the example set by earlier leaders such as Olusegun Obasanjo, who he said convened a roundtable with stakeholders once a month to discuss delicate matters that heavily affected the welfare of workers.
“These conversations took place in the Villa. Issues would be discussed, and people would be invited each month. We’re not advocating against it. But please, bring others with you. Tell us why you wish to take these actions so that we can prepare.
“But you can’t simply keep raising and lowering the pricing without considering us? This is the source of all of this annoyance. The masses are not being carried along by them. They have essentially made it impossible for the NLC to participate in any of their activities. No one has personal property in Nigeria.
“At the very least, you should call the representatives of the workers if you are going to do anything that will involve the masses.
” You can speak with representatives of specific groups and blocks of people in our country, including those in the so-called business sector,” he clarified.
