Fuel Price Cannot Be Increased While Vital Talks With Labour Are Still Ongoing – FG

The Federal Government has come out to say that there is no increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

This was recently revealed in a statement in Abuja by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, there will be no increase in the price of fuel for now as discussions are still ongoing between the government, the organised labour, and other relevant stakeholders.

He then warned anyone trying to portray the government as cruel, irresponsible and unamenable by spreading false news to refrain from such habit.

His words, “I have made contact with the relevant authorities, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NNPC and wish to assure members of the public, especially the organised labour and workers that there is no such increase for now.”

“We have ongoing discussions and standing committees comprising labour and government on one hand and another, comprising the office of the Vice President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Group Managing Director of (NNPC) and the Ministers of Labour, Petroleum and Finance.”

“We hence wish to warn the insidious harbingers of such information not to portray the government as cruel, irresponsible and unamenable to social dialogue and Collective Bargaining.”

“Government will at the right time do appropriate pricing for petroleum products but not without taking other issues into consideration. This is to ensure that Nigerians don’t suffer the pangs of any price increase in petroleum products.”

“Government has deregulated petroleum products and market forces have to dictate pricing. That notwithstanding, the government has decided to give it a human face by agreeing to some palliative measures that will make the price realistic and affordable to the ordinary Nigerians.”

“We, therefore, wish to re-assure our partners in the organised labour, the NLC, TUC and affiliate unions that there will be no increase in the price of PMS for now. They should therefore continue to cooperate with the government side to have a fruitful outcome from the discussions.”