Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has spoken out against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for increasing the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, stating that it is illegal.
Falana made this statement on the sidelines of an emergency meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Executive Council in Abuja. He pointed out that NNPCL, being a limited liability company, does not have the legal power to increase the price of petroleum.
Falana went on to urge the federal government to go back to the drawing board and find alternative solutions to the problem, one of which he says includes addressing the dollarization of Nigeria’s economy.
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The increase in the pump price of petrol has been met with widespread criticism and protests across the country. The NLC has called for a nationwide strike in response to the hike, which has been scheduled to take place on Monday, September 28, 2020.
In response to the criticism, the NNPC has defended the increase, stating that it was necessary due to the rising cost of crude oil on the international market and the devaluation of the naira.
However, Falana argued that the NNPC’s decision to increase the pump price of PMS is in violation of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right of citizens to life, dignity, and freedom from discrimination.
He added that the government must respect the rule of law and the fundamental rights of citizens, and that the NNPC’s actions are a clear violation of these principles.
The NLC has also criticized the government’s decision to increase the pump price of petrol, stating that it is unacceptable and will only further worsen the economic conditions of Nigerians.
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The union has called on the government to reverse the decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with the NLC and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem.
The increase in the pump price of petrol has also been met with widespread criticism from Nigerians on social media, with many expressing their frustration and disappointment with the government’s decision.
Some have called for a total overhaul of the country’s economic policies, while others have called for the resignation of government officials responsible for the hike.
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The government has yet to respond to these criticisms, but it remains to be seen whether it will reverse its decision or engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem.
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