FG urged to prioritise crude supply to local refineries
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise crude oil supply to local refineries, saying the move could help stabilise fuel prices and ease the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. In a statement issued by the Office of the President of the Senate of NAPS and signed by […]
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise crude oil supply to local refineries, saying the move could help stabilise fuel prices and ease the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
In a statement issued by the Office of the President of the Senate of NAPS and signed by Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, the students expressed concern over the continued rise in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), noting that the development has placed additional pressure on students and other citizens.
According to the association, the recent increase in petrol prices has contributed to higher transportation costs and rising prices of food and other essential goods.
“In recent weeks, Nigerians have witnessed a sharp increase in petrol prices, a situation that has further intensified the already difficult economic realities facing the nation,” Ayomide said.
He added that students are among the most affected, as many rely heavily on public transportation to commute to their institutions.
“Transportation fares have risen significantly, the prices of food and essential goods have increased, and the burden is being felt most by ordinary citizens and students who depend heavily on public transportation for their daily academic and economic activities,” he said.
The association also noted that developments in the global oil market, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, have contributed to fluctuations in crude oil prices.
“Conflicts in the Middle East historically affect global oil supply chains. Whenever tensions escalate in the region, global oil prices tend to rise sharply, and countries that rely on imported refined petroleum products inevitably feel the economic shock,” Ayomide stated.
NAPS described it as a contradiction that Nigeria, despite being a major crude oil producer, continues to face challenges associated with fuel importation.
“For Nigeria, this situation presents a painful contradiction. Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, yet citizens continue to experience rising fuel prices because the nation still depends largely on imported refined petroleum products,” he said.
The student body therefore urged the Federal Government to strengthen domestic refining capacity by ensuring steady crude supply to refineries within the country.
“If Nigeria is blessed with crude oil and also possesses a world-class refinery capable of refining that crude locally, then priority must be given to supplying our crude to that refinery for the benefit of Nigerians,” Ayomide said.
He noted that the Dangote Refinery, with a capacity to refine about 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, represents a major opportunity to improve Nigeria’s domestic fuel production.
“With adequate crude supply, the refinery has the capacity to refine petroleum products domestically and supply them directly to the Nigerian market,” he added.
According to the NAPS Senate President, prioritising crude supply to local refineries could help stabilise fuel prices, reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and strengthen the national economy.
He also said such a policy could support industrial growth and protect Nigerians from economic shocks linked to global developments.
“At this critical moment, Nigerian students appeal to the Federal Government to carefully consider policies that will place the welfare of Nigerians at the centre of national energy decisions,” Ayomide said.
He added that the association would continue to advocate policies aimed at promoting economic stability, industrial growth and improved welfare for students and citizens across the country.