The Federal Government’s meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, regarding the fuel subsidy’s removal, has ended without any conclusive agreement between the parties.
Dele Alake, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman announced the deadlock at a briefing with reporters on Wednesday.
According to Aleke, both parties agreed to continue talks on the matter at a later date.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural address, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, confirmed the increase in petrol’s pump price in its retail stores across the country, in line with current economic realities.
However, the NLC opposed the new price plan, claiming that it was unacceptable, and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
The presidential spokesperson said the government would continue to dialogue with the organized labour to find an amicable solution that would be in the interest of the common Nigerian.
“We cannot go into details, as talks are ongoing. We did not complete everything in one sitting, and so we have now adjourned. We will continue talks shortly. The most important thing is that we’re still talking and will find a solution suitable to all Nigerians,” he said.
Meanwhile, the price adjustment has created controversy, leading to marketers hoarding fuel products, causing long queues at petrol stations nationwide.
Most retailers across the country are selling petrol at rates between N500 and N750, prompting strong dissatisfaction among many Nigerians.
The increase in transport fares, coupled with the increased cost of goods and services, is feared to cause a significant impact on Nigerians’ living standards in the coming days.
Nevertheless, supporters of the government’s policy argue that fuel subsidy had become a drain on the country’s economy.
