NLC Labels Ongoing Deal Between NNPC, Dangote Refinery as Fraudulent

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday criticized the ongoing arrangement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery, calling it fraudulent.

NLC President Joe Ajaero attributed the escalating price war between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery to inconsistent government policies. Speaking to journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 in Lagos, Ajaero argued that a deregulated economy should foster competition and offer consumers choices.

He expressed frustration over the government’s failure to repair local refineries as promised, suggesting that recent events seemed designed to undermine Dangote Refinery. Ajaero urged Nigerians to speak out against government interference in the private sector, stating that the attempt to control Dangote’s pricing was unfair.

“The government dictating what Dangote should charge, despite his refinery not relying on imported dollars or incurring landing costs like foreign imports, is fraudulent and unacceptable,” he said.

Ajaero also addressed concerns about the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, reassuring the public that it would be enforced as per the agreement reached on April 18, 2024. He noted that the consequential adjustment committee was working toward the wage’s implementation, and with the bill passed by the National Assembly, the new minimum wage would soon be paid.