FG announces 30-day petrol discount at NNPC stations

The Federal Government has announced a 30-day discount on petrol sold at filling stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja.

Oyedele said the arrangement would allow motorists to purchase petrol from NNPCL stations at a lower price for the next 30 days, with public transport operators expected to receive priority.

He, however, clarified that the arrangement should not be regarded as a return to fuel subsidy, explaining that the government would be selling the product at cost.

According to the minister, the government also plans to negotiate the landing cost of petrol and review the figure monthly as part of the arrangement.

“There’ll be a discount on NNPC petrol for the next 30 days, with priority for public transporters. So, it’s not a subsidy, the government is just saying we sell to you at cost,” Oyedele said.

The announcement comes amid continued public concern over the cost of petrol and its impact on transportation and household expenses.

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on the Federal Government to improve the earnings of workers without waiting for another review of the national minimum wage.

TUC President, Festus Osifo, said the government could increase the salaries of federal workers or improve the pay of the lowest-paid employees without first enacting a new Minimum Wage Act.

Osifo spoke on Wednesday evening in Abuja after a meeting of the National Administrative Council of the labour organisation.

He argued that the national minimum wage should be regarded as the statutory floor for workers’ pay rather than a ceiling on how much employees can earn.

“Government does not even need to wait for a new Minimum Wage Act to be signed before government will take care of its workers,” Osifo said.

The labour centre’s position comes as the government’s temporary petrol discount is expected to provide some relief for motorists and public transport operators over the 30-day period.