1 November 2012
Press
Statement
The Nigeria Labour Congress observes
that for almost two months now, there has been a consistent scarcity of
petroleum products in all parts of the country without any cogent explanation
from government.
In several fuel stations across the country, prices of petrol
in particular are higher than the official pump price without any control by
government. The Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, under the Federal
Ministry of Petroleum Resources is responsible for inspection and control of
fuel stations and has not acted in anyway against unilateral price increases by
marketers.
For us, this indicates a clear conspiracy on the part of
government to force another price hike on Nigerians. This will sure deepen the
economic hardships the current official price has unleashed on our people.
The NLC will never accept any further price increase. And we
will mobilize workers and their allies against any such increase.
We urge the Federal Government to fulfill its responsibility
to the Nigerian people by taking urgent steps to restore normal supplies.
The poverty level in Nigeria has increased and nothing is
being done by government to reverse our collective sufferings. The January mass
protests and strike will be a child’s play should government hide under the
guise of the current scarcity to increase the pump price of petroleum products.
It is the responsibility of government to ensure and guarantee the welfare of
every citizen.
Should the appropriate agencies of government refuse to
enforce compliance with the official pump prices of petroleum products, the NLC
will not hesitate to mobilize workers across the country to picket stations
selling above the official prices.
Joe Ajaero
Olusegun Rotimi
Acting President
Acting General Secretary
No comments:
Post a Comment