National leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Chief Edwin Clark, has urged President Bola Tinubu l to reopen the policy of creating Modular Refineries in the Niger Delta to complement the Dangote Refinery.
He also urged the president to ensure that the regime of fuel pricing does not inflict more suffering on Nigerians, adding that in most countries of the world, certain goods which they produce are easily affordable to their citizens.
Clark stated this in a congratulatory statement on behalf of the people of the South South geopolitical zone, on the completion of the Dangote Refinery and the rollout of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on September 3, 2024 and the commencement of supply to the entire country starting from 15th October, 2024.
Clark recalled that the Modular Refineries Policy was endorsed by President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration with a promise to create a Special Fund.
Congratulating Tinubu under whose leadership the refinery was realized, Clark said “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 Modular Refineries in the Niger Delta to complement 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,” he said.
The elder statesman said Alhaji Aliko Dangote, through the establishment of the refinery, has 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.
“There is no doubt that this significant milestone will greatly boost the Nigerian economy by increasing domestic production, reducing reliance on imports, and creating thousands of jobs for our young people. If things go well as we are told, the shame and pain of long queues at filling stations will soon become a thing of the past.
“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 urged all other entrepreneurs like Dangote to show similar commitment to national development and upliftment of the people.