The Arewa Youths Initiative for Energy Reforms (AYIFER) has appealed to Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to ensure the timely and high-quality completion of the Kaduna refinery.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by Alhaji Bashir Al’Amin, National Coordinator, and Engr. Gideon Yakubu, General Secretary, the group emphasized that the future of northern Nigerians hinges on the successful commissioning of the Kaduna refinery for crude production.
AYIFER expressed its desire for a fully functional petrochemical refinery akin to the Dangote refinery in Lagos, urging Kyari to avoid replicating the Port Harcourt model, which they criticized as merely a blending plant that has faced backlash from local communities and stakeholders.
The statement conveyed the group’s confidence in Kyari’s capabilities as a seasoned geologist and exploration expert, noting their hopes that he would address the concerns raised regarding the Port Harcourt refinery in due course. They emphasized the importance of the Kaduna refinery as the region’s last remaining legacy facility, especially after the decline of other significant industries.
