Governors Demand End To Fuel Imports ‘Nigeria Must Stand On Its Own Fuel’

Governors Demand End To Fuel Imports ‘Nigeria Must Stand On Its Own Fuel’

The 36 Nigerian state governors have expressed strong concerns over Nigeria’s ongoing reliance on fuel imports, stating that it’s a contradiction for an oil-producing nation to import petroleum products. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, voiced this sentiment on behalf of his colleagues after a meeting that included Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Governor Uzodinma emphasized the urgent need to restore Nigeria’s local refineries to meet domestic fuel demands, relieve citizens from the high costs of imported fuel, and boost the economy. He stressed support for the Dangote Refinery and highlighted the importance of maintaining the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.

“Supporting homegrown solutions, such as the Dangote Refinery, and restoring our own refineries is essential,” Uzodinma stated. “As an oil-producing country, it’s not right to rely on fuel imports, while similar nations are refining domestically.”

The governors also advocated for pricing fuel in naira and underscored the benefits of local refining, which would generate jobs, reduce unemployment, and drive economic growth by offering more opportunities to Nigerians.