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NNPCL’s Continuous Fuel Importation Threatening Economic Future – NICOCSO Warns
Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NICOCSO) has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of sabotaging Nigeria’s economy by ordering over 1.6 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the country with the sole aim of strangulation local refineries.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, its national spokesperson Segun Adebayo, and the national coordinator of the group, Benjamin James, expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the NNPCL is discouraging local refineries from competing with their contemporaries abroad.
According to them, “Today, we gather to address a decision by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that threatens the economic future of our nation.
“The decision to import over 1.6 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is not just a policy misstep but a deliberate move to undermine Nigeria’s local refining potential, cripple the economy, and deepen the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“The importation of such an enormous volume of PMS places undue pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. With the Naira already struggling against major currencies, this decision will exacerbate the depreciation of our currency.
“A weaker Naira means higher inflation, making life harder for Nigerians as goods and services become increasingly unaffordable. The added cost of importing fuel undermines our goal of achieving energy independence while draining resources that could have been invested in local refineries”.They said it is alarming that the imported PMS is reportedly of substandard quality, damaging vehicles and increasing maintenance costs for millions of Nigerians.
“From taxi drivers to small business owners, this poor-quality fuel is wreaking havoc on livelihoods. This is unacceptable in a country with abundant crude oil and refining potential”.
Speaking further they lamented the betrayal of Nigerians’ trust by the oil regulatory body, saying for decades, billions of dollars have been spent repairing refineries, with numerous promises of functionality. Yet, none of Nigeria’s refineries are operational today, and instead of supporting local refining, the NNPCL perpetuates a cycle of dependency on imports—stifling local initiatives and sabotaging job creation.
NICOCSO demanded that the government and the NNPCL must provide a comprehensive account of the $20 billion spent on refinery repairs since 2007. Adding that Nigerians deserve to know why their refineries remain dormant despite these enormous expenditures.
Moreso, that NNPCL must set and announce a clear start date for operations at Nigeria’s three major refineries, queried that the people of Nigeria, as the true owners of these refineries, deserve transparency and a commitment to deadlines.
NICOCSO said while the NNPCL argues against monopoly in the industry, it enjoyed monopoly privileges for decades adding that with policies that could encourage competition and local growth, the NNPCL must step up and support the operationalization of local refineries.
“If these demands are not met, NICOCSO will organize nationwide protests across Abuja and other states. Nigerians must rise to demand accountability, transparency, and policies that prioritize local industries”, they said.
NICOCSO argued that NNPCL’s decision to import PMS on this scale undermines national interest, weakens the economy, and delays the journey toward energy independence.
“NICOCSO remains committed to ensuring that public resources are used in the interest of the people, and we call on all Nigerians to join us in holding the NNPCL and its leadership accountable. Together, we can demand a better future for our nation”, the group said.
News
Boundary Commission Rolls Out 2025 Strategic Plan For Boundaries Resolution For Economic Prosperity
Joel Ajayi
National Boundary Commission NBC has outlined its strategic priorities for disputed areas in 2025, focusing more on boundary resolution that it believes will bring economic prosperity and promote peaceful coexistence, as well as to drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.
The plan includes deployments of drones, advanced geospatial technologies, Expand Public Awareness Campaigns, Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency in boundary management in the country for the coming year.
The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, who was represented by Dr the Director of Internal Boundaries Dr Bulus Emmanuel, at the 2024 end of year media briefing in Abuja, said that the commission had partnered with key organisations to enhance technology integration in boundary management.
He stated that boundaries are instruments of unity, growth, and development to build bridges of cooperation, ensuring peaceful coexistence, as well as means of unlocking the full potential of nation and region.
While rolling out vision for the year ahead, Adaji expressed; “As we look forward to the future, the NBC is committed to expanding its impact and ensuring sustainable management of Nigeria’s boundaries. Our strategic goals for 2025 include:
“Accelerate the Resolution of Boundary Disputes: Strengthen collaborations with state governments, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to expedite dispute resolution and foster lasting peace.
“Expand Public Awareness Campaigns: Roll out nationwide sensitization programs to educate citizens on the importance of boundaries in fostering unity and national development.
“Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Equip local leaders and boundary communities with tools for resolving conflicts amicably and sustainably.
“Enhance Technological Integration: Invest in advanced geospatial technologies, drones, and mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.
“Promote Regional and International Cooperation: Advance cross-border agreements to enhance security, stimulate trade, and foster regional integration under the AfCFTA.
“Bolster Capacity Building Initiatives: Organize specialized training sessions on maritime law, conflict resolution, and boundary management.
“Operationalize the Extended Continental Shelf: Develop a roadmap for sustainable exploitation of maritime resources in compliance with international laws.
“Strengthen Data Management Systems: Collaborate with NASRDARMFAC (REVENUE MODEL) and other agencies for a harmonized geospatial database amongst others.
He used the occasion to reflect on NBCs achievements; ” The National Boundary Commission (NBC) remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.
“The resolution of interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority for the NBC and in 2024, we made significant strides in the following areas: Interstate Boundary Department: Boundary Delimitation and Demarcation,
“The Anambra/Enugu Boundary disputes saw the introduction of an innovative and dynamic approach otherwise known as the “Anambra/Enugu Home grown Formula,” being introduced to resolve the interstate dispute between the sister states leveraging local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.
“Benue/Nasarawa Boundary: We successfully revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonizing historical records and facilitating renewed dialogue between stakeholders.
“Kebbi/Niger Boundary: Technical committees were established to evaluate historical documents and execute boundary tracing setting the stage for peaceful resolutions.
“Field and Technical Exercises: Our team conducted extensive verification and alignment exercises on boundaries including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, the Enugu/Kogi and determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries.
NBC also recorded successes in International Boundaries resolution as the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary, Nigeria-Niger International Boundary, Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary and Community Resettlement Projects were carried out with great success.
Speaking on the Challenges Adaji said, despite these successes, challenges such as limited resources, insecurity in certain regions, and stakeholder resistance continues to pose huddles.
He commended the Federal Government, State governments, traditional rulers, development partners, and our border communities for their unwavering support as well as the Media for their unwavering support and for playing a critical role in disseminating accurate information and fostering.
He assured that, the NBC remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions
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