Table of Contents
- Call for Local Refining
- Peaceful Rally
- Significance of Local Refineries
- Appeal to President Tinubu
- Call for Decisive Action
Nigerian students, represented by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize local refining.
The students are also requesting that the President allocate 100 percent of the nation’s crude oil supply to local refineries to facilitate full-scale production and achieve self-sufficiency in fuel supply.
During a peaceful rally held on Wednesday at the Unity Fountain in Nigeria, the students, carrying various placards and banners, made their demands known.
Although the students intended to march to the National Assembly, they were halted by security agents who blocked all access roads.
In a statement to the press, the President of NAPS, Eshiofune Oghayan, referred to local refineries as “a root that has given life to a decaying tree” and a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s industrial resurgence.
He stated that local refineries represent Africa’s industrial strength and are essential for Nigeria’s goal of becoming the continent's refining hub.
He expressed, “For decades, our nation has lived under the shadow of dependency; we were crude oil exporters and importers of survival. However, today we have regained pride in an African-built refinery, one that can restore Nigeria’s economic independence.”
The students believe that President Tinubu “understands the struggles of the average citizen and the Nigerian student,” asserting that “this is why we trust he will heed our appeal.”
“By fully supporting these refineries, they will produce more barrels, saturate the market, lower fuel prices, and stabilize our economy,” they added.
“We are urging the federal government and relevant agencies to focus on locally refined products.”
The students called on President Tinubu to take decisive steps, including eliminating anti-development elements within the oil and gas sector, which they claim are hindering national progress.
“For over 30 years, the nation’s refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri have been inactive. These same groups took no action. But now that one individual has chosen to revive our aspirations, they have risen against him.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Nigerian students advocating for local refining?
Nigerian students are advocating for local refining to achieve self-sufficiency in fuel supply and to support the nation’s economic independence.
What are the students' demands to President Tinubu?
The students are calling for the allocation of 100 percent of the nation’s crude oil supply to local refineries and for decisive action against elements hindering development in the oil and gas sector.
