In a significant show of support, Chief Edwin Clark, the National Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has commended President Bola Tinubu for the launch of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, from the Dangote Refinery.
This development marks a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on fuel imports.
Clark’s statement, released on Tuesday, highlighted the importance of sustaining the refinery’s 650,000 barrels per day capacity.
He urged Tinubu to ensure a steady supply of crude to the refinery while cautioning against a pricing regime that could increase the suffering of Nigerians.
“Let me extend my congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under whose leadership this achievement has been realised,” Clark said.
“I urge Mr. President to continue supporting this effort and similar projects in the oil and gas industry. It is especially important that there is regular access to sufficient crude oil to service this 650,000 barrels per day refinery and other new refineries.”
Clark also drew attention to the ongoing need to ensure affordable fuel for Nigerians, comparing the country’s situation to other nations where domestic production makes essential goods accessible to citizens.
In a broader perspective, Clark revisited the policy of establishing modular refineries in the Niger Delta region. This policy, initially endorsed by the Buhari administration, was aimed at decentralizing fuel production and addressing regional development issues.
“I urge Mr. President to revisit the policy of modular refineries in the Niger Delta. This is an opportunity to complement the Dangote Refinery and boost local production in the region,” he noted.
The Ijaw leader praised Aliko Dangote, the CEO of the Dangote Group, for the completion of the refinery and for his philanthropic initiatives, which have further enhanced his reputation as a major figure in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“This milestone will boost the Nigerian economy by increasing domestic production, reducing our reliance on imports, and creating thousands of jobs for young people. Alhaji Dangote has once again positioned Nigeria on the global stage,” said Clark.
He also expressed optimism that the success of the Dangote Refinery would mark the end of Nigeria’s long-standing issue with fuel scarcity.
As the refinery prepares to commence nationwide petrol distribution from October 15, 2024, Clark believes it will ease the pressure on the country’s fuel supply.
In his final remarks, Chief Clark called on other entrepreneurs to follow Dangote’s lead in contributing to national development and urged the government to focus on policies that ensure a fair distribution of wealth and opportunities for all Nigerians.
This commendation from one of Nigeria’s elder statesmen adds significant weight to the growing optimism surrounding the Dangote Refinery’s potential impact on the country’s economic future. The rollout of petrol from the refinery is seen as a critical step toward energy self-sufficiency and economic revitalization.