19 January 2015, Enugu – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and some drivers and commuters in Enugu State on Monday commended the Federal Government over the reduction of petrol pump price from N97 to N87 per litre.
They told Newsmen in Enugu that the pump price reduction would make life easier for Nigerians.
The state’s Chairman of NLC, Chief Chumaife Nze, described the development as a good response to the yearnings of Nigerians.
According to him, the pump price reduction is necessary following the dwindling price of crude oil at the international market.
“The government is sensitive to the plight of the people, so, it will go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
“We hope that as other situations change, the government will be responsive and change accordingly. What is paramount is the way forward in this country,’’ he said.
A commercial bus driver, Mr Ndubuisi Igbokwe, regretted that some petrol stations were not responding to the government’s directive as most of them still sold at N110 and N97 respectively.
Igbokwe also appealed to relevant agencies saddled with the responsibility of ensuring compliance to petroleum laws to do so in the interest of the poor masses.
“I was very happy when I heard about the development. This is the first time in Nigeria that after something went up, it is coming down.
“We are not sure yet if it will affect transportation fares but I know it will make things better for us.
“My fear now is the petrol stations complying with the directive because they say that the product they have is the one that they bought at N110,’’ he said.
A commuter, Mrs Ifesinachi Okoro, expressed the hope that the development would positively affect every sector of the economy to improve standard of living.
Another commercial bus driver, Mr Ikechukwu Nebo, told newsmen that the development was a campaign strategy targeted at making people to vote for the PDP.
“We have been in Nigeria and we know the politics they play. Why did they not reduce the price during December when the masses will benefit in their travelling,’’ he said.
NAN recalls that the petrol pump price reduction was announced on Jan. 18 by the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke.
Madueke also mandated the Department of Petroleum Resources and other petroleum agencies to ensure adequate implementation and compliance.
– Vanguard
