Babatunji Wusu –
Key Points:
– Conflict Origins: Ajaero links the NNPCL-Dangote dispute to government policy inconsistencies and fraudulent practices.
– Critique of Government Influence: Ajaero condemns attempts to control Dangote’s pricing as fraudulent interference in a deregulated market.
– Local vs. Imported Pricing: He argues it is unjust to require that locally produced petroleum be priced the same as imports, given the absence of additional costs.
– Call for Public Discourse: Ajaero urges Nigerians to speak out against government overreach in business operations.
– Broader Implications: The dispute raises questions about the government’s role in the energy sector’s competitive landscape.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has attributed the ongoing conflict between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery to alleged inconsistencies in government policies and fraudulent practices. Speaking at a media briefing at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Wednesday, Ajaero expressed his concern over the dispute, emphasizing that such conflicts are unwarranted in a deregulated market designed to foster competition and consumer choice.
Ajaero criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for attempting to influence Dangote’s pricing strategy, labeling it as fraudulent interference. He argued that it is unjust for the government to require that Dangote’s locally produced petroleum products be sold at the same price as imported products, especially since local production avoids additional costs such as foreign exchange and landing fees.
“In a truly deregulated market, there should be no interference in how private sector entities like Dangote operate. Imposing restrictions or dictating prices goes against the principles of a free market,” Ajaero stated. He further highlighted the absurdity of demanding that locally produced products be priced the same as imported ones, calling it both fraudulent and unacceptable.
Ajaero expressed his belief that the ongoing situation reflects a mix of fraud and policy inconsistency, noting that Nigerians were led to believe that the petroleum sector had been deregulated. He questioned why there is now an attempt to control Dangote’s pricing when competition should prevail.
He asserted, “When the Port Harcourt refinery becomes operational, both NNPC and Dangote should be able to sell freely. But trying to dictate Dangote’s pricing is dishonest. This is the time for Nigerians to speak out. We were told that deregulation would put the private sector in charge and limit government interference in business. Now, the government is trying to regulate how private businesses should price their products.”
This standoff between NNPCL and Dangote has sparked public debate, raising concerns about the government’s role in the competitive dynamics of the energy industry.
