The forum of non-governmental organizations in Nigeria has dissociated itself from the planned Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strike and protest against increment in the pump price of petroleum products.
National chairman of the forum, Comrade Wole Badmus during a press briefing in Abuja, applauded the federal government for deregulating the downstream sector saying it is a step in the right direction.
He told newsmen that the deregulation does not mean the complete elimination of laws that govern smooth operation of activities in the downstream sector but that the role of government will be limited to only providing regulatory oversight.
Comrade Badmus also said cabals in the downstream sector had always instigated people against successive government by emphasizing the harsh economic effects of the subsidy removal and neglecting the long-term benefit, which he called on the masses to assess.
"Sections of the populace are still asking for the subsidy partly because they are oblivious of this scam or fear of the future without subsidized fuel but the deregulation of the downstream oil and gas sector would help government to eradicate fuel scarcity and ensure constant supply across the economy", he said.
He also said the deregulation would lead to uninterrupted operation of refineries and guarantee a steady supply by enabling stakeholders and marketers participate in its importation and marketing.
He therefore commended the president’s initiative and expressed hope that the president’s credentials as an upright Nigerian will ensure that the gains of the deregulation programme are not eroded.
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