Presidential Address On The Implementation Of The Deregulation Policy
In The Downstream Sector Of The Petroleum Industry, Sunday, January 15,
2012
________________________________________________
Dear Compatriots,
1.
This is the second time in two weeks I will address you on the
deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. In the last seven days,
the nation has witnessed a disruption of economic activities.
Although, the economic imperatives for the policy have been well
articulated by government, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the
Trade Union Congress (TUC) went ahead to declare a nationwide strike.
2.
There was also near-breakdown of law and order in certain parts of
the country as a result of the activities of some persons or groups of
persons who took advantage of the situation to further their narrow
interests by engaging in acts of intimidation, harassment and outright
subversion of the Nigerian state. I express my sympathy to those who
were adversely affected by the protests.
3. At the inception of
the deregulation policy, Government had set up the Justice Alfa Belgore
Committee to liaise with Labour and other stakeholders to address likely
grey areas in the policy, but despite all our efforts, Labour refused
the option of dialogue and also disobeyed a restraining order of the
National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
4. However, following
the intervention of the Leadership of the National Assembly, and other
well-meaning Nigerians, Labour accepted to meet with government, but
this yielded no tangible result.
5. It has become clear
to government and all well-meaning Nigerians that other interests beyond
the implementation of the deregulation policy have hijacked the
protest. This has prevented an objective assessment and consideration of
all the contending issues for which dialogue was initiated by
government. These same interests seek to promote discord, anarchy, and
insecurity to the detriment of public peace.
6. Government
appreciates that the implementation of the deregulation policy would
cause initial hardships and commends Nigerians who have put forth
suggestions and credible alternatives in this regard. Government also
salutes Nigerians who by and large, conducted themselves peacefully
while expressing their grievances. Let me assure you that government
will continue to respect the people's right to express themselves within
the confines of the law and in accordance with the dictates of our
democratic space.
7. Government will continue to pursue full
deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. However, given the
hardships being suffered by Nigerians, and after due consideration and
consultations with state governors and the leadership of the National
Assembly, government has approved the reduction of the pump price of
petrol to N97 per litre. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory
Agency (PPPRA) has been directed to ensure compliance with this new pump
price.
8. Government is working hard to reduce recurrent
expenditure in line with current realities and to cut down on the cost
of governance. In the meantime, government has commenced the
implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment projects:
including the Federal Government- assisted mass transit programme which
is already in place, and job creation for the youth.
9.
Furthermore, the legal and regulatory regime for the petroleum industry
will be reviewed to address accountability issues and current lapses in
the Industry. In this regard, the Petroleum Industry Bill will be given
accelerated attention. The report of the forensic audit carried out on
the NNPC is being studied with a view to implementing the
recommendations and sanctioning proven acts of corruption in the
industry.
10. Let me assure Nigerians that
this administration is irrevocably committed to tackling corruption in
the petroleum industry as well as other sectors of the economy.
Consequently, all those found to have contributed one way or the other
to the economic adversity of the country will be dealt with in
accordance with the law.
11. My dear
compatriots, I urge you to show understanding for the imperatives of the
adjustment in the pump price of petrol and give government your full
support to ensure its successful implementation. I further appeal to
Nigerians to go back to work and go about their normal duties as
government has made adequate arrangements for the protection of life and
property throughout the federation.
12.
Government will not condone brazen acts of criminality and subversion.
As President, I have sworn to uphold the unity, peace and order of the
Nigerian State and by the grace of God, I intend to fully and
effectively discharge that responsibility. Let me add that we are
desirous of further engagements with Labour. I urge our Labour leaders
to call off their strike, and go back to work.
13. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must collectively safeguard its unity.
14. Thank you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
