Governors across Nigeria are expressing serious concerns about the country’s ongoing petroleum crisis.
They find it shocking that Nigeria, a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), continues to import petrol.
Hope Uzodinma, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and the Governor of Imo State, made these remarks during a press conference.
The meeting took place in Abuja and brought together governors from all 36 states.
Uzodinma stated, “It is shameful that as an oil-producing nation, we are still importing petrol.”
The governors invited Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to discuss ways to address the accessibility and affordability of petroleum products.
The rising prices of petrol have caused significant suffering for many Nigerians.
Uzodinma emphasized the need for homegrown solutions, specifically highlighting the Dangote Refinery.
He said, “We must encourage the homegrown solution that the President just introduced.”
The Dangote Refinery, one of Africa’s largest, is expected to help Nigeria meet its petroleum needs.
Uzodinma called for the urgent repair of Nigeria’s other refineries.
“We should repair our Port Harcourt Refinery, repair our Warri Refinery, and repair our Kaduna Refinery,” he added.
Repairing these facilities will enable Nigeria to produce its own petrol.
“This way, we can produce what we eat and eat what we produce,” Uzodinma stressed.
The reliance on imported petrol is seen as a major failure for a country rich in oil resources.
Uzodinma pointed out that other OPEC members have successfully refined their crude oil domestically.
“It is an aberration to rely on importation of petroleum products as an oil-producing country,” he said.
The discussion on local refining also highlighted the economic benefits it could bring.
The governors argued that refining petroleum products in Nigeria would create jobs and boost the economy.
“If you refine petroleum products locally, you will create jobs,” Uzodinma said.
He continued, “You will reduce unemployment, you will keep people busy, and you will reduce crime.”
Local refining would not only meet national needs but also instill a sense of pride in being an oil-producing nation.
The governors also addressed the broader economic challenges facing Nigerians.
They acknowledged the hardships many people are experiencing due to rising fuel prices.
The impact of these prices has been felt across various sectors, including transportation and food.
The governors agreed to collaborate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle these issues.
Uzodinma expressed their commitment, saying, “We will work with the President to tackle the challenges bedeviling the country.”
These challenges include not only the petroleum crisis but also security issues such as kidnapping and banditry.
