NLC condemns NNPC’s unilateral pricing template
…urges government to withdraw decision
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent announcement of a new pricing template for petroleum products by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, denounced the move as an ambush that undermines the ongoing dialogue between stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.
The NLC called on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw the pricing template to ensure uninterrupted discussions.
Ajaero, while highlighting the contradictory nature of the government’s actions, said:, “Government cannot in one breath be talking about deregulation and at the same time fixing the prices of etroleum products. This negates the spirit of allowing the operation of the free market unless the government has as usual usurped, captured or become market forces.”
The NLC expressed deep concern over the timing of the NNPCL’s announcement, as stakeholders in the oil and gas sector were engaged in ongoing discussions to manage the withdrawal of subsidies on petroleum products.
Ajaero described the move as an ambush that runs counter to the principles of social dialogue, which the NLC believes is crucial for resolving the issues arising in the downstream sector.
Moreover, the NLC deemed the pricing template unacceptable, emphasizing that good faith negotiation is key to reaching an agreement.
Ajaero likened the government’s action to “holding a gun to the head of Nigerian people” and putting undue pressure on leaders, thus undermining the dialogue process.
The union called upon the Federal Government to intervene and instruct the NNPC to withdraw the pricing template immediately, allowing for unfettered discussions among the concerned parties.
The decision to withdraw subsidies on petroleum products has sparked debates and negotiations among stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.
The NNPCL’s recent announcement of a new pricing template further intensified the discussions, with the NLC expressing concerns about the impact of such a move on the ongoing dialogue process.
