The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to address the persistent issue of fuel importation by urgently fixing the nation’s refineries. Expressing concern over the ongoing fuel imports during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, NANS emphasized the detrimental impact on the economy and the exacerbation of the existing forex crisis.
In a statement released by NANS Senate President Elvis Ekundina, the student leadership stressed the need for President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to take immediate and decisive actions in rectifying the operational deficiencies of the country’s refineries. They argued that such a move is crucial for achieving self-sufficiency in oil production, a vital step towards reducing dependency on foreign petroleum products.
Ekundina articulated that the importation of petroleum products from foreign countries hampers Nigeria’s potential for rapid economic growth. He underscored the importance of not only repairing the refineries but also ensuring they operate at their optimal capacity to address the current energy crisis stemming from a severe petrol shortage in the Nigerian market.
The association maintained that the government’s response to the energy crisis should encompass a comprehensive approach, with a primary focus on revitalizing the nation’s refineries. NANS asserted that when these refineries are fully operational, they have the potential to produce a sufficient amount of petroleum products to meet the country’s daily consumption needs.
Ekundina contended that, as an oil-producing nation, Nigeria should strive to eliminate fuel imports by maximizing the operational efficiency of all refineries. He stressed the belief that refurbishing and recommissioning the faulty refineries to optimal production levels would not only resolve the energy crisis but also address challenges related to foreign exchange and the devaluation of the national currency.
“It is our belief that refurbishing and recommissioning our faulty refineries to optimal production level will resolve the nation’s energy crisis. This will also resolve the challenges the country is having with foreign exchange and the worsening naira crisis,” Ekundina explained.
He further emphasized that a fully functioning domestic refinery sector, complemented by the Dangote refinery, could position Nigeria as a net exporter of refined petroleum products. This, in turn, would contribute to stability in fuel prices, providing relief to consumers and fostering economic resilience.
In conclusion, NANS urged the Federal Government to prioritize and expedite the process of fixing the refineries, viewing it as a strategic move towards achieving energy independence, economic growth, and stability in Nigeria’s fuel sector.
