The president of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, has demanded that the names of people and businesses that have received subsidies be made public.
According to Nairametrics, he contended that a private limited business like the NNPCL shouldn’t have the power to set fuel pump prices.
The NLC President claimed the argument that market forces are to blame for the increase in petrol prices is false because there is only one player in the market, and market forces are actually driven by competition.
Comrade Joe Ajaero stated: “We need to know who received these subsidies and how the money was spent. Please provide the names of the individuals and businesses that received these subsidies. Why are those alternatives not working after we previously came to an agreement on some of them? “
He also expressed concern that the government has not responded with their desire for a return to the status quo to allow for free dialogue. He disputed the assertion that no appropriation exists after May, adding that he thought there was an appropriation up to the end of June.
He opposed the idea that fuel prices should be determined by the market, especially when they are set by the NNPCL, a private limited corporation that the labor movement deems intolerable.
Comrade Ajaero also emphasized the absence of market forces in the event that the Dangote Refinery continues to be the only manufacturer of petroleum products in the country.
He also inquired as to the status of the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. In order to fully experience market dynamics in the downstream sector, he emphasized the significance of having numerous companies in the industry.
He warned that if Dangote remains the only player, petrol prices could rise to N1000 per litre by December and questioned the logic of letting market forces determine fuel pricing when there is only one participant.
The president of the NLC emphasized the NLC’s unity, saying there were no eastern, western, or southern branches, and he said the strike will start as scheduled.
