The President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has blamed the ongoing petrol price war between the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote refinery on the government’s inconsistent policies.
Ajaero spoke with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 on Wednesday, describing the situation between the two entities as fraudulent.
The labour union leader contended that a deregulated economy should allow for choice and competition.
He said: “The basis for regulating what Dangote should sell or dictating prices for the private sector is fraudulent.”
Ajaero urged Nigerians to voice out their concerns, accusing the government of plot ato control how much the private sector can charge for its products.
“For a product produced here, he didn’t import with dollars, there was no landing cost, and they want him to sell it at the same cost as what they are bringing from abroad. That is fraudulent and unacceptable,” he said, adding that the actions witnessed in the past two weeks seem aimed at frustrating Dangote’s efforts.
He also criticized the government for failing to repair the refineries, despite promising to do so in August of last year. As of September 2024, he noted, nothing has been done.
On the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, Ajaero assured there that is no cause for concern, as it would be carried out according to the agreement reached on April 18, 2024.
He, however, noted that the committee on consequential adjustment is working towards its implementation.
Ajaero confirmed that the government will pay the minimum wage, as the National Assembly has passed the bill.