The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has fiercely criticized the recent surge in petrol pump prices, describing the increase as a glaring act of insensitivity against Nigerians struggling with economic challenges.
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On Friday, petrol prices rose to between ₦1,050 and ₦1,150 per litre, a development attributed to rising crude oil costs by both oil marketers and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
This explanation has done little to assuage the concerns of labour unions, who view the hike as a deliberate affront to the masses.
Senior NLC officials, speaking in separate interviews, decried the lack of stakeholder engagement before the hike.
The Deputy President of the NLC’s Political Commission, Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, condemned the decision, highlighting its widespread economic implications, including inflation and the further devaluation of the naira.
He noted that in more inclusive societies, leaders consult with representatives from labour unions, students, and the private sector to deliberate on decisions of such magnitude.
“This pump price hike will ripple across all sectors, affecting food prices, transportation costs, and the overall economy,” Ndubuaku said. “What we’re witnessing is governance in isolation, or what we term ‘Tinubunomics.’ This approach to leadership ignores the need for subsidies, which are common in nations striving to support their citizens.”
Ndubuaku further criticized the government’s unfulfilled promises regarding the implementation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as a cost-effective alternative.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to adopt a more inclusive governance style, citing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s practice of holding monthly stakeholder consultations as a template for engaging with the populace.
Adding to the criticism, Sessi Funmi, the Chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the NLC, lambasted oil marketers, accusing them of exploiting Nigerians for profit. She described them as “enemies of the masses” who manipulate prices to maintain their monopolistic control of the petroleum market.
According to Funmi, the recent reduction in petrol prices had been short-lived because it disrupted marketers' exploitative schemes.
“These marketers do not purchase crude oil directly but finished products, so their justification for tying PMS prices to crude oil hikes is misleading,” she argued.
She commended the Tinubu administration for its efforts to revive refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, asserting that these measures should lead to a significant reduction in petrol prices. However, she accused oil marketers of sabotaging these efforts.
Funmi called for a government-led overhaul of the supply chain to eliminate middlemen and ensure fair pricing for Nigerians.
She urged the government to emulate the Dangote refinery’s direct supply model, which she said could provide a more stable and affordable pricing structure.
In response to public outcry, the Dangote refinery clarified its pricing strategy. Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s spokesperson, explained that the recent price adjustment was driven by a 15% rise in global crude oil prices.
Despite this, the refinery had absorbed a significant portion of the increased costs, limiting the hike in ex-depot prices to 5%. He assured Nigerians that Dangote’s partners, including Ardova, Heyden, and MRS Holdings, had committed to selling petrol at ₦970 per litre nationwide to ensure uniformity.
“We understand the critical need for affordable fuel and remain committed to balancing quality and affordability. Our adjustments reflect our commitment to Nigerians despite rising costs in the global market,” Chiejina said.
Labour leaders reiterated their demand for transparency and accountability in the petroleum sector. They warned that Nigerians would no longer tolerate exploitative practices by oil marketers and called for immediate dialogue between the government, industry stakeholders, and the public to address the fuel price crisis and its far-reaching effects on the economy.