News
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
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
