The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria criticized the fuel price comparison between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia made by President Buhari in his Independence Day address. The President Buhari stated that it made no sense for oil to be cheaper in Nigeria than other oil-producing nations. President Buhari stated, ‘In the circumstances, a responsible government must face realities and take tough decisions.’
Quadri Olaleye, TUC President, responded that the comparison was unnecessary, as Nigeria was not equal in all ramifications with Saudi Arabia and other countries mentioned.
He remarked that the country had nothing to show for despite six decades of oil exploration, and government’s infrastructural development was just empty talk. In addition, he said previous governments had looted, laundered and wasted the country’s resources while patronizing hospitals outside the country.
Olaleye said, ‘It is like comparing black and white. It is that bad! It is ridiculous to compare Nigeria with Saudi, Dubai, or any other country, not even in Africa. With the natural resources that we have, we could rule the world, but government is not interested. There is no need for this comparison because it looks like the president is defending fraud and the impoverishment of Nigerians.’
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‘Come to think of it, what has Nigeria achieved with all the money made from oil since over six decades of oil exploration in commercial quality? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. All successive leaderships have done is loot, launder and buy properties in foreign land.’
‘So, if the president is defending the hike (in pump price), what does he want to do with the surplus they will make from the hike? The same old story of providing infrastructure! Our roads are nothing but death traps. Our leaders are not patriotic at all.’
‘Saudi Arabia, did not have issues with roads, water, and unemployment isn’t high compared to Nigeria.’
‘On the other hand, Nigerians contend with estimated bills because power firms had refused to provide meters,’ Olaleye added.
(Peace Omenka)