NLC and Atiku Sound Alarm Over Petrol Price Increase
In Lagos, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former Vice President Abubakar Atiku have both criticized the recent increase in petrol prices by the federal government, saying it has pushed many Nigerians to their limits.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the government to finish the rehabilitation of the country’s refineries by September 2024 or sue the contractors for not meeting their deadlines. Falana condemned the delay in completing the $2.9 billion contracts awarded to Italian companies for the refineries’ repairs.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has also urged President Bola Tinubu to make the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reverse the recent illegal and unconstitutional petrol price hike.
The NLC has urged Nigerians to resist the price hike and is demanding its reversal. Atiku warned that the government’s planned VAT increase, coming after the petrol price hike, will worsen the cost-of-living crisis and damage the already fragile economy.
Joel Ajaero, President of the NLC, expressed frustration over the worsening economic conditions, which include rising petrol prices, currency devaluation, and higher electricity tariffs. He criticized the government’s corruption and lavish spending while ordinary Nigerians struggle.
Atiku also criticized President Tinubu’s policies, saying they are increasing taxes and hurting the economy, especially the manufacturing sector. He expressed concern about a new policy allowing duty-free importation of agricultural products, which could harm local farmers.
Falana emphasized that if the contractors fail to complete the refinery work on time, the government should take legal action. He also suggested that both public and private refineries should help increase fuel supply to justify the petrol price hikes.
SERAP has asked the President to investigate corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC and to ensure that the recent petrol price increase, which has worsened poverty, is reversed. They argue that the increase is unfair and harmful to the most vulnerable Nigerians, and they expect a response within 48 days before considering legal action.
