A group, Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct oil companies to begin to supply crude to local refineries in line with provisions of Section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
PANEP, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday after a rally, said the supply of crude to local refineries is a matter of patriotic duty, national consciousness and economic prosperity drive.
The statement was signed by the group’s conveners, Comrade Danesi Momoh, Comrade Emmanuel Odumosu, Comrade Omaga Daniel and seven others.
“As an oil producing country, the matter of supply of crude to local refineries is not only a matter of law as stated in the Petroleum Industry Act, but a matter of patriotic duty, national consciousness and economic prosperity drive.
It is sad, unfortunate and embarrassing that Dangote Refinery imports crude from other countries due to his inability to source from home.
“Both the spirit and letters of the Petroleum Industry Act, particularly under the section 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,” it said.
The group thanked Tinubu for refusing to allow a greedy oil cartel to stifle Dangote Refinery and ultimately kill every other attempt at local refining in Nigeria as well as for providing the atmosphere for businesses to thrive in the country.
The statement reads: “Today’s rally is in continuation of the series of our determined and conscious national campaign for economic salvation, particularly in the oil sector. And it is sequel to the Abuja rally of October 2, 2025; Kaduna tally of October 6, 2025 and Asaba rally of October 9, 2025.
“We are very grateful to various stakeholders in the Nigerian economic project for the massive support these campaigns have received. From sister civil society organisations and pressure groups who have joined in these patriotic campaigns; to the media who have provided broad coverage; to the security agencies who have offered progressive partnership; to the patriotic energy experts who have amplified our voices and promoted our arguments; and to unionists and activists who rose to the crucial occasion when unions were hijacked for national economic sabotage, the support has been massive and it is appreciated.
“But most importantly, we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu very sincerely, for providing the atmosphere for businesses to thrive in Nigeria, especially for refusing to allow a greedy oil cartel to stifle Dangote Refinery and ultimately kill every other attempt at local refining in Nigeria. History will be kind to him. Of course, the National Assembly has been very supportive.
“However, this is both a journey and a struggle. And we will not rest till we get to the desired destination and victory achieved. There are still very important issues to address.”
