The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the recent hike in the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, describing it as a sign of insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians. Senior NLC officials voiced their concerns in interviews on Sunday, while oil marketers denied responsibility for the price surge.

The hike, which saw petrol prices soar to between N1,050 and N1,150 per litre, was reportedly due to the rising cost of crude oil, the primary raw material for fuel production. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery clarified that the price increase was not linked to its $20 billion Lekki-based facility but rather to global crude oil price fluctuations.

Reacting to the development, the Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, criticized the government for failing to consult stakeholders before implementing the price adjustments.

“In a saner society, representatives of workers, the private sector, and students would be invited to deliberate on the implications of such actions before decisions are made,” Ndubuaku argued. He warned that the price hike would exacerbate inflation, worsen the value of the naira, and deepen the economic burden on ordinary Nigerians.

Ndubuaku also criticized the government’s approach to phasing out fuel subsidies without providing viable alternatives like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. He described the situation as “Tinubunomics,” a governance model he claimed lacked adequate testing or inclusivity.

“If you promise an inclusive government, it’s not just about the government talking. People must be involved. When someone speaks up, they’re labeled as part of the opposition. This approach alienates the masses,” he lamented.

Ndubuaku called on President Bola Tinubu to adopt the consultative governance style of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who, he said, held monthly stakeholder meetings to discuss critical national issues. “We’re not saying reforms shouldn’t happen, but the people must be carried along. Explain your decisions so the masses can prepare. Constant price hikes without explanation only breed frustration,” he added.

In a separate statement, the Chairperson of the Lagos State NLC, Sessi Funmi, accused oil marketers of exploiting Nigerians and contributing significantly to the country’s economic woes.

“Marketers are enemies of the masses,” Sessi said, alleging that they manipulate petroleum pricing to undermine government efforts to stabilize the downstream sector. She criticized their argument that rising crude oil prices directly translate to higher PMS prices, pointing out that marketers purchase refined products, not crude oil.

Sessi praised the Tinubu administration for reviving two refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, emphasizing that these efforts should lead to a reduction in fuel prices. “Marketers must stop frustrating the government’s efforts to reduce prices and end monopolistic practices. The government should deal directly with suppliers and eliminate corrupt middlemen,” she stated.

Sessi urged the government to adopt a direct supply model similar to that of the Dangote refinery, ensuring transparency and fair pricing for consumers. “Marketers cannot continue exploiting Nigerians while enriching themselves without contributing meaningfully. We reject this. Nigerians deserve better,” she concluded.

The NLC reiterated its demand for transparency and accountability in the petroleum sector. It warned that Nigerians would no longer tolerate exploitative practices and called on the government to engage with all stakeholders to develop policies that alleviate the economic burden on the masses.

As the price hike continues to fuel discontent across the nation, the NLC vowed to remain steadfast in its advocacy for the welfare of workers and ordinary Nigerians.