Group Urges President Tinubu to Sustain Support for Local Refineries …Commends Dangote on Giant Stride

By Admin

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Chief Sen. Dr. E. K. Clark, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain his administration’s support for local refineries, while also commending Alhaji Aliko Dangote on the successful completion of the Dangote Refinery.

In a press release signed by Chief Clark on Tuesday, the group praised Dangote for his visionary leadership in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, particularly for the rollout of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on September 3, 2024, and the commencement of nationwide supply scheduled for October 15, 2024.

Speaking on behalf of the South-South geopolitical zone, Chief Clark expressed his admiration for Dangote’s pioneering spirit, noting that the Dangote Refinery would have a lasting positive impact on Nigeria’s energy security, job creation, and overall economic growth.

“It is clear to all Nigerians that Alhaji Dangote’s commitment to innovation has once again placed Nigeria on the global map. The impact of this project will be felt for generations, ensuring greater energy security and employment for our young people,” Clark stated.

He emphasized that the refinery’s production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day would significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, alleviating the long-standing problem of fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations. He expressed hope that the refinery’s success would lead to the elimination of these challenges.

While commending Dangote’s philanthropy, particularly his nationwide distribution of rice, Chief Clark called on other entrepreneurs to emulate his dedication to national development. He also urged the Nigerian government to ensure that enough crude oil is made available for local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, to maintain uninterrupted operations.

“I urge President Tinubu to continue supporting this monumental project and other similar initiatives in the oil and gas sector. It is essential that crude oil is readily available to service the Dangote Refinery and any future refineries,” he added.

Chief Clark also cautioned the government to avoid implementing a pricing regime that would further burden Nigerians, stressing that locally produced goods should be affordable to citizens, as is the case in other countries.

In addition, the PANDEF leader reminded President Tinubu of the need to revive the policy of creating modular refineries in the Niger Delta, a plan that had been endorsed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to him, these modular refineries would complement the Dangote Refinery and contribute to the nation’s refining capacity.

“As we celebrate this achievement, we also call on the government to reopen the policy on modular refineries, which was promised during the Buhari administration with a Special Fund for its implementation,” Clark noted.

Chief Clark also conveyed his congratulations to all Nigerians for this significant milestone in the nation’s history, expressing hope that the successful completion of the Dangote Refinery would restore national pride after nearly three decades of importing petroleum products.