The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed deep concern over the lingering controversy surrounding the pricing of petrol from the Dangote Refinery, citing far-reaching implications for the economy, livelihoods, and democracy in Nigeria and Africa.
"This discrepancy raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the potential for exploitation of ordinary citizens," noted Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP.
The CNPP stated that high pump price of petrol has exacerbated hunger and hardship among the masses, with fuel queues becoming a common sight and prices tripling since the subsidy removal in May 2023.
"NNPCL's interference in the distribution of locally refined petroleum products is nothing but national economic sabotage," the CNPP emphasized, urging the Federal Government to intervene immediately.
The CNPP demanded that NNPCL cease its meddling and allow Dangote Refinery and other local refineries to operate freely, ensuring competitive pricing and supply.
"NNPCL constituting itself as a middleman in the distribution of locally refined products undermines the oil refining companies' potential to provide relief to Nigerians.
"We demand that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through its company, the NNPCL, ceases its meddling and allows Dangote Refinery to operate freely, ensuring competitive pricing and supply.
"The concealment of information and lack of transparency in NNPCL's operations are unacceptable," CNPP stressed, questioning whether the National Assembly approved extra-budgetary expenditures and the processes adopted by NNPCL for loan repayments with crude oil.
"For instance, NNPCL is said to be using crude oil for debt repayments either on behalf of itself or on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria. But this has remained a secret or a mere speculation.
If it is true, did the National Assembly approve such extra budgetary expenditures? What are the processes and procedures adopted by the NNPCL leading to any agreement on loans repayment with our crude oil? Does the NNPCL under the Petroleum Industry Act own Nigeria's crude oil to decide to do with it as it wishes?
"The CNPP strongly demands that the Federal Government categorically answer these questions as Nigerians deserve to know.
"We urge the Federal Government to immediately resolve the pricing controversy surrounding Dangote Refinery, ensure transparent and competitive pricing of petrol, allow Dangote Refinery and other local refineries to sell their products directly to petroleum marketers in Nigeria, address the high cost of living and alleviate hunger and hardship among the masses," Ezema stated.
The CNPP warns that failure to address this crisis may lead to catastrophic consequences for democracy in Nigeria and Africa. "The CNPP calls on the international community to hold the Federal Government and NNPCL accountable for their actions if this crisis escalates and breeds anarchy that threatens democracy in Nigeria and Africa."
The CNPP vowed that "We'll continue to stand in solidarity with the Nigerian people as we demand immediate action to avert a looming danger and save our democracy."
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