As parts of efforts to boost crude oil supply to local refineries, some stakeholders in the down stream sector in collaboration with Civil society groups have called on President Bila Ahmed Tinubu’ to the create an enabling environment for all oil refining companies to thrive without fear or pressure of any kind. And to also mandate the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to prioritize crude oil supply to local refineries over foreign partners.
Addressing journalists during the rally at the UTC junction in port Harcourt, the convener of Partners for National Economic Progress OLAMIDE Odumosu said it is unacceptable that government agencies hide under the “willing supplier, willing buyer” clause to frustrate the supply of crude to Dangote.
The various groups during a mega rally with the theme: National Unity Against Sabotage: reclaiming of Petroleum sector for the people also called on president Bola Tinubu to ensure crude oil supply to the dangote refinery is not debatable.
OLAMIDE Odumosu noted that the recent expansion of the Dangote refinery from 650 thousand barrels per day to one point four million barrels per day is not just a national glory, but a continental and global one and expressed sadness that the Dangote refinery now rely on the international scene for crude .
“As an oil producing country, the matter of supply of crude to local refineries (in this case, the Dangote Refinery) is not only a matter of Law as stated in the Petroleum Industry Act, but a manner of patriotic duty, national consciousness and economic prosperity drive. It is very sad, unfortunate and embarrassing that Dangote Refinery imports crude from other countries due to his inability to source it at home.
Both the spirit and letters of the petroleum industry Act, particularly under the sec on referenced in this text is to mandate oil companies, particularly, upstream operators to supply crude oil to domestic refineries at reasonable prices in order to protect the refineries and encourage investments thereof.
It is for this reason that the PIA encourages regulatory agencies to formulate policies that will ensure the supply of crude to local refineries, including imposing sanctions where necessary” He said
On his path, the convener of Niger Delta Youth council, comrade Danielson Prince said that the attitude of importing crude oil from outside the shore of the country is detrimental to Nigerian economy while calling on the president to pressure NNPC to sell crude oil to Nigerian companies within Nigeria.
However, this is both a journey and a struggle. And we will not rest, will we get to the desired destination and victory achieved. There are still very important issues to address.
As an oil producing country, the matter of supply of crude to local refineries (in this case, the Dangote Refinery) is not only a matter of Law as stated in the Petroleum Industry Act, but a manner of patriotic duty, national consciousness and economic prosperity drive. It is very sad, unfortunate and embarrassing that Dangote Refinery imports crude from other countries due to his inability to source it at home.
Both the spirit and letters of the petroleum industry Act, particularly under the sec on referenced in this text is to mandate oil companies, particularly, upstream operators to supply crude oil to domestic refineries at reasonable prices in order to protect the refineries and encourage investments thereof. It is for this reason that the PIA encourages regulatory agencies to formulate policies that will ensure the supply of crude to local refineries, including imposing sanctions where necessary. He said
Comrade Odumose also emphasized that it is unacceptable for government agencies in the country to hide under the willing supplier clause to frustrate the supply of crude oil to local refining companies in Nigeria
Our correspondent reports that similar rallies were organized in Abuja, Kaduna and Asaba.