ERAN Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s ₦3 Trillion Fuel Imports in 40 Days
The Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria (ERAN) has expressed grave concerns over the importation of fuel worth over ₦3 trillion between October 1 and November 11, 2024, highlighting the detrimental impact on Nigeria’s energy sector.
According to ERAN, oil marketers imported 1.5 million metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 414,018 metric tonnes of diesel, and 13,500 metric tonnes of aviation fuel during this period. These imports amount to over 2 billion litres of petrol, 500 million litres of diesel, and 17 million litres of jet fuel.
In a statement on Monday, ERAN criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for failing to promote the use of local refineries, especially given the presence of the newly operational Dangote Refinery and the government-owned refineries, which remain non-functional despite massive investments.
Dr. Robinson Onuh, ERAN’s leader, questioned why the NNPCL continues to rely on imports, undermining local refining capabilities. The group also expressed dismay at the operational challenges of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, despite substantial financial outlays aimed at revitalizing them.
ERAN directed its criticisms at key officials, including NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari; the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed; and the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.
The group accused Kyari of inconsistencies, citing his claims that NNPCL had ended fuel importation, only to contradict this with recent import figures. Additionally, ERAN pointed to unfulfilled promises about the Port Harcourt refinery resuming operations by September 30, a deadline that has come and gone without progress.
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“The Nigerian people continue to pay the price, buying adulterated and high-sulphur fuel, while operational refineries remain elusive despite trillions spent,” ERAN stated.
The group called for urgent reforms and accountability within the energy sector, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot afford to neglect its refining potential at a time when reliance on imports is proving costly and unsustainable.
