Former National Vice Chairman for the North-West region of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has criticized the pricing of petroleum products since the Dangote Refinery began operations in collaboration with the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He described the pricing system as manipulative and monopolistic in nature.
In a statement titled “Nigerian Democracy in ICU,” released on Tuesday, Lukman voiced his concerns about the current situation in Nigeria, particularly under the leadership of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He claimed that the petroleum pricing mechanism appears designed to exert control over the market and foster a parasitic monopoly, largely benefiting the NNPC.
Lukman further lamented that citizens are being forced to bear the burden of increased petroleum prices, a move he said negatively impacts local production and the overall welfare of Nigerians.
“The econometrics of petroleum pricing since the Dangote Refinery began production is driven by manipulative control and the imposition of a parasitic monopoly represented by the NNPC,” Lukman stated.
He accused the federal government of prioritizing its interests over the well-being of its citizens. “Unfortunately, it seems that the government’s preference lies in maintaining this monopoly. The welfare of citizens is clearly not a priority for President Tinubu,” he remarked.
Lukman went on to express frustration at the government’s economic policies, accusing President Tinubu of indifference to the struggles of Nigerians. “Rather than alleviating the economic hardships faced by the people, the federal government appears intent on imposing even stricter measures that drain the resources of ordinary citizens,” he concluded.
