A group under the aegis of the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NICOCSO) has charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to break the ranks of economic saboteurs bent on frustrating local petroleum products refineries for personal gains.
The group through a press statement jointly signed by its spokesman, Segun Adebayo, and national coordinator, Benjamin James, and titled “Call For Immediate Probe Of Cabals Insisting On Importing PMS and Sabataging Local Refineries,” said it was concerned by actions of a small group of people perpetuating Nigeria’s reliance on fuel importation.”
The insistence on importing PMS is detrimental to our economy, costing Nigeria billions in foreign exchange annually and leaving the country vulnerable to global market fluctuations. This monopolistic approach undermines local enterprises and disrupts our foreign reserves. It is unacceptable that vested interests prioritize personal gain over the collective well-being of the Nigerian people, obstructing our path toward energy self-sufficiency”, it said.
The group argued that investors such as Aliko Dangote have taken bold steps to establish local refineries like the Dangote Refinery, which hold promise for achieving fuel independence. “Yet, this cabal has actively sabotaged such initiatives, blocking pathways for local investors and discouraging economic independence in the refining sector. The continued reliance on PMS importation not only restricts job creation but also diminishes the growth potential of industries allied with refining”, it added.
Insisting on why President Tinubu should act fast, it said recalled that state governors just recently called for the Marketers and the NNPCL to support Dangote and local refineries, saying it also insist on this or the CSOs will be forced to embark on an advocacy march across the country.
