The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has expressed strong disapproval of Nigeria’s ongoing reliance on petroleum imports to meet domestic fuel consumption needs. In a press briefing led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, speaking on behalf of his fellow governors, the NGF called this dependency an “aberration” for an oil-producing nation and pushed for reforms that would restore and improve the country’s local refining capacity.
Governor Uzodinma highlighted the importance of rehabilitating Nigeria’s three main refineries—Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna—to boost self-sufficiency and provide more affordable and accessible fuel options. Alongside these repair efforts, he underscored the importance of supporting the Dangote Refinery, which recently began production as part of a broader homegrown solution supported by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The governors advocated for a shift in petroleum product purchases to be transacted in naira, Nigeria’s local currency, to bolster the economy and stabilize fuel costs. They also noted that domestic refining would have wide-reaching economic benefits, including job creation, a reduction in crime through increased employment, and enhanced national pride in becoming more self-reliant in oil production and refining.
The forum’s stance reflects a collective interest in curbing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign imports and capitalizing on its natural resources to create sustainable growth and development opportunities.
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