By Straightnews
The South South geo-political zone under the aegis of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to create modular refineries in the Niger Delta to complement the efforts of Dangote Refinery.
To tackle the menace of illegal oil refining and crude oil theft, Nigerian military forces have destroyed no fewer than 137 illegal refineries in a series of operations carried out between August 2023 and July 2024, The Punch reported.
PANDEF, in a statement by its Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, said the policy of Modular Refineries was already endorsed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with a promise to create a Special Fund.
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According to him, the entry of Dangote Refinery means that the national pride has returned to Nigeria after nearly 30 years of importing all petroleum products.
He said, “On behalf of the people of the South South geopolitical zone, I would like to begin by extending my very big congratulations and commendation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on the successful completion of the Dangote Refinery and the rollout of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) 3rd September 2024 and the commencement of supply to the entire country starting from October 15, 2024.
“It is clear to all Nigerians that Alhaji Dangote’s pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation have once again positioned Nigeria on the global stage. At my age, I am unable to go physically to visit the refinery. However, going by all the information, the impact of this project on our nation’s energy security, employment, and economic development will be felt for generations to come.
“Even as I wait for Aliko Dangote to establish similar presence through projects in the Niger Delta, I also take this avenue to commend him for his continued works of philanthropy, including the distribution of rice to all parts of Nigeria,” he said.
“I urge all other entrepreneurs like him to show similar commitment to our national development and upliftment of our people.
“Let me also extend my congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under whose leadership this remarkable achievement has been realized. I urge Mr. President to continue supporting this laudable effort and all similar projects in the national oil and gas industry.
“Especially, there must be regular access to enough crude oil to service this 650, 000 barrels per day refinery and all other new ones. In addition to this, the regime of pricing must not inflict more suffering on Nigerians. In most countries of the world, certain goods which they produce are easily affordable to their citizens. President Tinubu, this must not be different here in Nigeria.
“Let me also remind Mr. President, that this is also an opportunity to reopen the policy of creating of Modular Refineries in the Niger Delta to compliment the Dangote Refinery. This policy of Modular Refineries is one that was already endorsed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, with a promise to create a Special Fund.
“I once more convey my heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable achievement to all Nigerians as national pride returns to us after nearly 30 years of importing all petroleum products.
“Again, we wish President Tinubu, Alhaji Dangote, and their entire teams involved in this groundbreaking project continued success and look forward to seeing its positive impact on our nation.
Congratulations once again!” he added,
