The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed doubt about the potential of the recently launched Dangote Petrol Refinery to fully meet the fuel demands of Nigerians and bring down petroleum product prices in the country.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that NLC President Joe Ajaero, in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, shared his views amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the removal of fuel subsidy.
Ajaero commended the Dangote Refinery but stressed that it might not provide the ultimate solution to the challenges facing the petroleum sector.
According to Ajaero, President Bola Tinubu should have raised pertinent questions before deciding to eliminate petrol subsidies.
“I commend Dangote Refinery for its efforts, but relying solely on market forces, particularly in the private sector, can be risky. We have already experienced this in the cement production sector. What will Dangote Refinery produce, and will it be sufficient?” Ajaero questioned.
“While we acknowledge Dangote as a commendable Nigerian, we also advocate for competition and deregulation. Dangote has made significant contributions by establishing a refinery, but can it cater to 30% of Nigeria’s fuel needs?” he further queried.
Recall that after President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement that fuel subsidy had ended, panic ensued in the sector, leading to an instant scarcity of petroleum products nationwide.
However, Ajaero emphasised that the Labour’s stance on the matter has been clear. Even if Tinubu has good intentions, viable alternatives must be provided.
Among the alternatives proposed by the NLC president were the repair of the nation’s four refineries and the provision of alternative transportation for Nigerian workers, among other measures.
“The President’s pronouncement carries the weight of law, but if we enact laws that are impractical, those who create them can reconsider,” Ajaero suggested, urging a review of the President’s decision.
He further questioned, “Does it bring us joy to say that subsidies are gone while people start to suffer? Isn’t it part of leadership to explore ways to alleviate the people’s suffering?”
