NBA says domestic refining will address fuel shortages, queues

 

● Urges President Tinubu to implement the directive on the supply of crude oil to Dangote refinery and other

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for full implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the supply of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries in the country.

Describing the establishment of the refinery as a nationalistic initiative, the professional association of lawyers urged the Federal Government and Nigerians to support the Dangote Oil Refinery to end fuel shortages and perennial queues at petrol stations in the country.

He expressed disappointment that the mega project was meeting stiff resistance from fuel importers, who had stifled the economy and made it dependent on imports of refined petroleum products, despite Nigeria being a major producer of crude oil.

NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, who accompanied other leaders and members of the association on a tour of the facility, commended Dangote Group Chairman/CEO Aliko Dangote for standing firm despite the opposition he faced.

“What I have seen today makes my heart happy, but at the same time, my heart bleeds because of the neglect and opposition that such a laudable effort is facing. It is shameful, but as I told the Chairman of the group, his continued steadfastness and resilience despite the opposition shows that there is hope for this country. I would describe Aliko Dangote as both a freedom fighter and an economic warrior. There is no one more honorable or patriotic than Dangote. He has shown it through his actions, not just his words. It is not about what anyone might tell you; we have witnessed the enormous investments he has made in this country,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to create a supportive environment for the refinery, with the aim of transforming Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products and alleviating the severe hardship caused by fuel shortages. He lamented that it is shameful for the refinery to import crude oil from abroad and export refined products due to opposition from local operators

“I want to take this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to pay deliberate and conscious attention to what Dangote is doing. Anyone who is serious about changing the fortunes of this country cannot ignore Dangote’s efforts. This is a people-centric investment that needs to be supported. This is the kind of investment we need and wherever such investments exist in this country, we urge the government to create an enabling environment that will benefit the people. If we create an enabling environment for this refinery to operate, we will eliminate queues on our roads and solve the challenges associated with the scarcity of petroleum products. However, we will need the government to demonstrate its willingness to support this crucial initiative. We have a facility here that can compete with the best in the world, but unfortunately it is not getting the support and recognition it deserves. It is shameful that with a refinery of this capacity, where 86 tankers can be loaded at the same time, we are still facing fuel shortages,” he added.

The Vice President of NBA Epe Branch, Ivo Takor, who praised the location of the refinery on the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis, said the project has the potential to solve the age-old problem of fuel importation, create jobs, boost foreign exchange and save the country the money currently spent on subsidising petroleum products.

“The refinery is something every Nigerian should be proud of. It is a project that will take Nigeria away from its longstanding problem of fuel importation, which brings with it its own set of challenges. Currently, we are dealing with fuel shortages and long queues. I believe once this refinery is fully operational, these challenges will be solved. In addition, the refinery has the capacity to export some of its products, bringing foreign exchange into the economy. It will also reduce government spending on subsidies, allowing funds to be redirected towards improving infrastructure, education and the health sector. Since its construction, many jobs have been created and more will follow when it becomes fully operational,” he said.

However, he noted that despite these advantages, there are some entrenched cartels against the full operation of the refinery. While commending President Bola Tinubu for directing the supply of crude oil to both the refinery and modular refineries across the country, he stressed the need for strict monitoring to ensure compliance. He stressed that withholding crude oil from the refinery constitutes sabotage against the nation and should be met with appropriate sanctions.

“Unfortunately, there appears to be a well-established cartel working against the full operation of this refinery, especially those who do not want to supply it with crude oil. It is illogical for Nigeria to export crude oil while the refinery also imports crude oil. This situation reflects the interests of entrenched forces that benefit from fuel importation, which has a negative impact on the people and the economy. Fortunately, the President has issued a directive regarding the supply of crude oil to the refinery. However, beyond this directive, compliance is critical. Those who do not comply should face appropriate sanctions, as non-compliance constitutes sabotage not only against the refinery but also against the economy,” he said.

Vice President (Oil and Gas), Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, informed delegates that the refinery was set up primarily to source and refine indigenous crude oil for the benefit of Nigeria, while exporting excess production to boost the economy.

Edwin noted that the lack of sufficient Nigerian crude oil supplies has made it necessary to import crude oil from other countries and continents, while exporting refined petroleum products abroad.

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