NLC meets affiliates to challenge 67.3% hike in PMS price, deregulation of downstream

In swift reaction to the alleged 67.3 percent hike in the price of petroleum products, Ayuba Wabba, president, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), described the development as unacceptable as government cannot take such decision unilaterally.

Wabba, who made a preliminary remarks on Federal Government’s deregulation of downstream sector, frowned at the prevailing socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians, especially the working class, and queried the rationale behind the unnecessary burden placed on Nigerians, ranging from hike in electricity tariff to rising price of food items and now, the price of petrol.

“That is certainly unacceptable because the reality of the economic situation where majority of the citizens cannot afford three square meal a day. So, that does not portray that it is acceptable.

“Remember that we are not through with the undue increase in the electricity tariff and considering the fact that our members across Nigeria are not been paid salaries. So it’s like adding salt to injury to the problems on ground already.

“For government to put additional cost on the working class is unacceptable,” the NLC chief told BusinessDay in a telephone chat.

To this end, Wabba who disassociated the Congress from the meeting allegedly attended by NLC and its Trade Union Congress (TUC), NUPENG and PENGASSAN, disclosed plans to summon an emergency meeting of its organs: National Administrative Council and National Executive Committee of NLC with the view to challenge the policy.

He said: “The hike in the price of petroleum products will of course affect the prices of goods and services. But the question is, was there actually any subsidy? That is what we need to interrogate!

“I’m not in Abuja now, but on return I will summon relevant organs of the Congress and our allies to examine the issue and take appropriate position.”

However, also speaking, Frank Jacobs, president, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), informed BusinessDay that the way to go was to deregulate fully to solve the lingering fuel crisis confronting the country unendingly.

According to Jacobs, government must ensure the refineries work at full capacity to satisfy local demands and even export to get more foreign exchange and strengthen the naira.