Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II in Lagos, Ajaero expressed concern over the dispute, calling it unnecessary in a deregulated economy that should foster choices and competition.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajearo, has pointed to alleged government policy inconsistencies and fraudulent activities as the root causes of the ongoing tensions between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II in Lagos, Ajaero expressed concern over the dispute, calling it unnecessary in a deregulated economy that should foster choices and competition.
He criticised President Bola Tinubu government’s intervention in determining how Dangote should operate and sell its products, describing it as an act of fraud.
“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 urged the government to review its policies to ensure fairness and transparency in the sector.
The conflict between NNPC and Dangote has sparked debate, with many questioning the role of government policies in shaping the competitive landscape of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
“For a locally produced product, with no reliance on imported dollars or landing costs, they’re demanding he sells it at the same price as the imported ones. That’s both fraudulent and unacceptable.
“What you’re witnessing is a mix of fraud and policy inconsistency. Nigerians were led to believe that the sector had been deregulated, and in a deregulated market, competition and choice should prevail. So why is there now an attempt to control how much Dangote should sell his product for?
“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.
“They expect him to sell at the same price as the imported product, even though it was produced locally without the additional landing costs. That’s outright fraud.”
