Governors have called for an overhaul of the nation’s refining capacity to address ongoing fuel challenges and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma disclosed this to journalists after the Nigeria Governors Forum meeting on Wednesday night in Abuja.
He also highlighted the importance of local refining to alleviate high fuel costs and create employment.
The governors also expressed support for the Dangote Refinery, which recently commenced production, noting that it will significantly boost Nigeria’s refining capacity.
They emphasised that strengthening local production would enable Nigerians to purchase fuel in naira, stabilize prices, and reduce the financial burden on citizens.
He said, “So we must encourage the homegrown solution that the President just introduced. Encouraging Dangote Refinery, we should repair our Port Harcourt Refinery, repair our Warri Refinery, repair our Kaduna Refinery, and then produce what we eat and eat what we produce.
“We shouldn’t rely on importation of crude oil. For me, it is an aberration to rely on importation of petroleum products as an oil producing country.
“Which other member of OPEC country of our status is not refining crude oil in that country? So, we shouldn’t encourage that. I think I want to support buying petroleum products in Naira, buying crude oil in naira, and refining it here.
“If you refine petroleum products locally, you will cure jobs, you will cure unemployment, you will keep people busy, you will reduce crime, and then you will also be proud to answer an oil producing nation.
Uzodimma also said governors have committed to supporting Afreximbank’s initiative to establish a world-class medical centre in Abuja.
The African Medical Center of Excellence is a project funded by Afreximbank that will be developed in partnership with King’s College Hospital London.
According to Uzodimma, the facility will offer specialized treatments in oncology, cardiovascular care, haematology, and general medical research, aiming to provide Nigerians with advanced healthcare services.
The centre will serve as a referral hub, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by expert medical professionals.
“We, the governors, are fully committed to supporting this initiative,” Uzodinma stated. “This centre will be a game-changer in addressing critical health challenges and enhancing medical expertise in Nigeria.”
During the meeting, the NGF also received an update from NNPC’s Chief Executive Officer on the impacts of subsidy removal and the corporation’s plans to mitigate the resulting economic strain on Nigerians.
Uzodimma acknowledged the hardships currently faced by citizens due to rising fuel prices but expressed optimism that forthcoming local refinery projects, like the Dangote Refinery, will stabilize the situation.
“We sympathize with our people. We know that there is hardship in the country. We also appreciate the reforms being carried out by the President.
“Our prayer is that, as soon as possible, the relief we are looking for should come so that we can begin to leverage the benefits of the reforms and then have a better Nigeria in general.
The NGF pledged collaboration with the new director general of the Department of State Services on security matters. The director general briefed the forum on recent strategies to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other security challenges.
The governors assured support and cooperation with the DSS and the National Security Advisor’s office to improve nationwide security and foster a safe environment for citizens and businesses.
Governor Uzodimma reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to unity, peace, and national progress.
“Under the President’s renewed hope agenda, we are dedicated to protecting the interests of Nigerians and promoting unity. We call on all citizens to support the government’s reform efforts, as they aim to improve the quality of life across the country.”
The governors collectively expressed hope that these efforts will help alleviate current economic difficulties, enhance security, and bolster Nigeria’s healthcare system, marking a path toward sustainable development.
