The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have raised concerns over the federal government’s recent petrol price hike, warning that it has pushed many Nigerians to a breaking point.
During the weekend, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, called on the federal government to complete the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries by September 2024 or face legal action against contractors for failing to meet deadlines. Similarly, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) demanded that President Bola Tinubu direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the “illegal and unconstitutional” increase in petrol prices.
The NLC, which has consistently opposed the price increase, urged Nigerians to protest the hike. Former Vice President Atiku also criticized the government’s plans to raise Value Added Tax (VAT), warning that it would exacerbate the already dire economic conditions for Nigerians.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) in Osogbo, NLC President Joel Ajaero, represented by Prince Adewale Adeyanju, stressed the need for collective action against the harsh economic policies imposed by the government.
“At a time when Nigerian workers are grappling with the high cost of living, the petrol price hike, coupled with rising electricity tariffs and the devaluation of the naira, has created a survival crisis,” Ajaero said.
Atiku, in a statement, also warned that the VAT increase, along with the fuel price hike, would further burden Nigerians, especially the poor. He accused President Tinubu of prioritizing luxury projects for himself and his family while ignoring the needs of ordinary citizens.
Falana, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of completing the ongoing rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries by September 2024. He urged the government to take legal action if contractors continue to breach their contracts. Falana noted that the completion of the refineries is crucial to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel and curbing the frequent fuel price hikes.
SERAP also voiced concerns about the petrol price hike, calling it a violation of Nigerians’ fundamental rights. The organization has threatened legal action if the federal government fails to address the issue within 48 days.
The NLC, Atiku, and SERAP have all called on the government to prioritize the needs of the people and reverse policies that are worsening Nigeria’s economic crisis.
