Civil Society Organizations Demand President Tinubu Halt Fuel Imports, Operationalize Local Refineries
In a bold and unequivocal move, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has called on President Bola Tinubu to bring an immediate end to Nigeria’s reliance on the importation of refined petroleum products. The coalition argues that this policy has exacerbated the economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians, leading to a widespread clamor for change. Their demands, outlined in an open letter addressed to the President, reflect deep concerns about the country’s current economic trajectory and the urgent need for strategic reforms.
At the forefront of this coalition is the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), led by its Executive Director, David Ugolor. Speaking on behalf of ten prominent CSOs, Ugolor urged President Tinubu to take decisive action to operationalize Nigeria’s existing government and private refineries. The goal, according to Ugolor, is to reduce the crippling costs of fuel, stabilize the prices of essential goods, and ultimately improve the quality of life for everyday Nigerians.
“The continued importation of refined petroleum products is unsustainable and a major contributor to the economic difficulties our citizens are experiencing,” Ugolor emphasized in the letter. “We believe that operationalizing our local refineries is not only possible but necessary to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians and reduce our dependency on foreign imports.”
This call for change is not limited to fuel importation alone. The CSOs have also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s financial resources, particularly concerning the country’s borrowing practices. They are demanding that the Tinubu administration puts an end to what they describe as “irresponsible borrowing” and insists that any borrowed funds are used transparently and effectively for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
“In light of the current economic challenges, it is crucial that every naira borrowed is accounted for and that the government ensures these funds are used to foster development and improve the living standards of our citizens,” Ugolor stated. “There must be full transparency and accountability in the use of borrowed funds, with clear, public documentation available for scrutiny.”
The CSOs’ letter also addresses the urgent need for equitable and reliable power supply across Nigeria. They argue that consistent power is essential for economic stability and growth, and that the lack of reliable electricity has been a significant barrier to progress in various sectors of the economy.
“The importance of a stable and reliable power supply cannot be overstated. It is the backbone of industrialization and economic development. We urge the President to prioritize this issue and ensure that all regions of Nigeria have access to consistent electricity,” the letter read.
Moreover, the coalition is advocating for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies and programs. These initiatives, they argue, are critical to addressing the high rates of poverty that continue to plague the nation. The CSOs believe that by prioritizing social protection, the government can provide a safety net for the most vulnerable populations and help reduce the widening inequality gap.
“With the rising cost of living and the challenges posed by inflation and unemployment, social protection programs are more important than ever. These programs can serve as a buffer for those who are most affected by the economic downturn and help lift millions out of poverty,” Ugolor stressed.
In addition to these demands, the CSOs are calling for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly concerning the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). They argue that the recent removal of fuel subsidies, which has significantly impacted the cost of living for Nigerians, makes it more crucial than ever for NNPCL’s operations to be transparent.
“We are calling for NNPCL’s dealings to be open to public scrutiny. This includes the regular publication of updated and detailed information on financial transactions and contracts,” the letter demanded. “Given the impact of subsidy removal on the lives of Nigerians, it is vital that the public has access to this information to ensure that the benefits of these policies are realized by all.”
The coalition’s call to action comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with the severe consequences of fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira. These policies have led to a sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities and a significant deterioration in the exchange rate, worsening the economic conditions for millions of citizens. The CSOs describe this situation as “increasingly untenable,” highlighting the dire need for urgent intervention.
“Prices of basic necessities have skyrocketed, and the exchange rate has plummeted, placing an unbearable strain on the average Nigerian,” the letter stated. “Coupled with the ongoing insecurity in various parts of the country, the situation has become untenable for many, and immediate action is required to prevent further deterioration.”
Beyond economic concerns, the CSOs have also voiced their alarm over the government’s handling of peaceful protests. They condemned what they described as the “alarming and unacceptable” response to citizens exercising their democratic rights, including the excessive use of force by security agencies. The coalition is demanding the unconditional release of all detained protesters, asserting that these individuals should not be criminalized for participating in peaceful demonstrations.
“The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our Constitution and must be respected by all state actors,” the letter stated. “We condemn the excessive use of force by security agencies, which has tragically resulted in the deaths of several protesters. We urge the government to initiate the process for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained for exercising their democratic rights.”
In their concluding remarks, the CSOs urged President Tinubu to establish a credible and non-partisan framework for civic engagement and policy dialogue. They believe that such a framework is essential for restoring public confidence and ensuring that the voices of all Nigerians are heard in the policymaking process.
“Your Excellency, Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The decisions your administration makes in the coming days will have far-reaching implications for our nation’s future. We believe that with decisive and compassionate leadership, you can restore public confidence and guide Nigeria towards a path of prosperity and justice for all its citizens,” the letter concluded.
The CSOs’ open letter represents a clarion call for transformative leadership and strategic action in addressing the myriad challenges facing Nigeria today. As the nation waits to see how the Tinubu administration will respond, the coalition’s demands serve as a reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians.
Source : SweetCrude
