The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is urging the Federal Government to prioritize the repair of the nation’s refineries as a strategic move to cease fuel importation. NANS expressed concern over the continued reliance on fuel imports under President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the economy and exacerbation of the ongoing forex crisis.
NANS Senate President, Elvis Ekundina, stressed the urgency for President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to take decisive action in restoring the country’s malfunctioning refineries. The student leadership contends that this measure is crucial for achieving self-sufficiency in oil production.
Ekundina highlighted the link between Nigeria’s economic growth and its ability to produce petroleum products domestically. The association asserted that the government must not only repair the refineries but also ensure they operate at optimal capacity to address the energy crisis caused by a severe shortage of petrol in the domestic market.
Emphasizing the potential of fully operational refineries to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption needs, Ekundina argued that, as an oil-producing country, Nigeria should not rely on fuel imports. He expressed confidence that refurbishing and recommissioning the refineries would not only resolve the energy crisis but also contribute to addressing foreign exchange challenges and stabilizing the national currency.
The student leader concluded that with operational refineries alongside the Dangote refinery, Nigeria could become a net exporter of refined petroleum products, fostering stability in fuel prices.”
