NLC frowns at proposed increase of petrolum price

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has frowned at the plan by the Federal government to remove fuel subsidy and increase Fuel pump price. Minister of State for Petroleum resources, Ibe Kachiukwu had on Monday December 14th, hinted that the Federal government will from next year begin a gradual phasing off of the subsidy scheme and then increase fuel pump price to N97.

NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, while speaking at the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the death of foremost labour leader, Comrade Chima Ubani. yesterday December 16th, said the NLC will meet so as to decide on what to do regarding the planned increase in petroleum price.

“President Buhari is on record to have said that he does not believe that there was any subsidy on petroleum products, or that ordinary Nigerians can afford increased prices for petroleum products and that he is yet to be convinced by any existing literature on removal of subsidy on petroleum products. At the Senate, the minister talked about gradual removal strategy which he said would begin with the return to the pump price of N97 per litre from the current N87. Now that the Buhari government may have, through Ibe Kachikwu, sent the message to Nigerians on the path it wishes to take on the issue of petroleum subsidy, Congress will meet in its relevant organs, hold consultations with civil society and other organizations and professional bodies and carry out the instructions as we will be mandated.”he said