Dr. Salihu Lukman, a former Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-West, has criticized the pricing of petroleum products since the Dangote Refinery started production. He claims that both the Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) are manipulating fuel prices to create a monopoly that harms Nigerian citizens.

In a statement titled “Nigerian Democracy in ICU,” Lukman argued that the current system is more about controlling the market and forcing higher fuel prices on the public, rather than promoting fair competition or benefiting local production. He stated that the NNPCL plays a major role in this manipulative system.

Lukman also criticized the government, especially President Tinubu, for allowing this to happen. He believes that the government is not prioritizing the welfare of its citizens and is instead focused on policies that make life harder for Nigerians. According to Lukman, the government is imposing more economic pressure, further straining the country’s resources and leaving Nigerians with fewer options.

In conclusion, Lukman called on the government to reconsider its policies and focus on reducing the burden on the people, instead of supporting practices that devalue local production and worsen living conditions.