Nigeria’s Civil Society Leaders Demand Action to Combat ‘Saboteurs’ of Local Refineries and Economy
Civil society organizations in Nigeria have sounded the alarm over alleged attempts by a “powerful group” to undermine the country’s local refineries and promote the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This move, they warn, could send the economy into turmoil.
The group’s activities reportedly drain Nigeria’s resources, weaken the Naira, and threaten the growth of local businesses. They are accused of sabotaging efforts to create jobs and promote the development of the refining sector.
The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NICOCSO) has called on the President to launch a thorough investigation into the group’s operations and to implement a policy that requires the sale of Nigerian crude oil to local refineries in Naira.
During a press conference in Abuja, NICOCSO’s Executive, Solomon Chinemerem, warned that the group’s actions are detrimental to the country’s economy and urged the government to take swift action to address the issue.
“We are concerned that a small but powerful cabal is prioritizing their own interests over the collective well-being of the Nigerian people,” Chinemerem said. “Their actions undermine local refining efforts, perpetuating Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, which drains our resources and weakens the Naira.”
The group argues that the country’s ongoing dependence on PMS imports limits job creation and obstructs the growth potential of the refining sector. They also cite the example of Aliko Dangote, who has invested in the Dangote Refinery, which they say holds promise for achieving fuel independence.
However, the “cabal” allegedly opposes these efforts and instead promotes the importation of PMS, which restricts job creation and diminishes the growth potential of industries allied with refining.
NICOCSO has threatened to lead an advocacy march across the country if the government fails to take decisive action to address the issue. They are urging the President to order an immediate and transparent probe into the group’s activities in the fuel sector.
Furthermore, they are calling for a policy change that requires the sale of Nigerian crude oil to local refineries in Naira. This, they argue, would support indigenous investors, preserve foreign reserves, and bolster the Naira, ultimately strengthening the economy and stabilizing fuel prices domestically.
This policy shift would give local investors a competitive edge, allowing refineries to operate at full capacity and fostering a self-sustaining fuel market. The benefits would include reduced fuel costs, increased job creation, and economic resilience, felt across the country.
