Ijaw National Congress President Questions Government’s Refinery Failures: If Dangote Succeeds, Why Can’t Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna Refineries? – Prof. Benjamin Okaba

In a thought-provoking challenge to the Nigerian government, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has raised significant concerns about the continuous failure of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. Okaba’s critical question highlights the success of private entrepreneur Aliko Dangote in the refinery sector, drawing attention to the government’s inability to replicate such achievements. The statement by Prof. Okaba opens up a discussion regarding the underlying reasons behind the government’s failure to make these refineries operational.

Nigeria’s refineries have long been plagued by operational challenges, leading to an increased dependence on imported refined petroleum products. Prof. Okaba argues that it is essential to compare the accomplishments of private entrepreneur Aliko Dangote, who successfully established a functional refinery, with the continued struggles of government-owned facilities. This raises a valid question: If an individual like Dangote can overcome the obstacles and make a refinery work, why has the government failed to achieve the same?

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The ramifications of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries’ persistent failures extend beyond economic concerns. The heavy reliance on subsidies to bridge the gap between domestic production and fuel demand has placed a significant burden on successive administrations. Prof. Okaba contends that if the government had implemented a long-term plan to revitalize the refineries, the need for extensive subsidies could have been reduced or eliminated altogether.

Additionally, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) president highlights the potential benefits associated with removing the fuel subsidy. These include redirecting subsidy funds towards investments in sectors such as agriculture and industrialization, ultimately promoting economic diversification. However, Prof. Okaba acknowledges the short-term challenges that would accompany subsidy removal, such as potential price increases and their impact on the average Nigerian, given the country’s heavy reliance on petroleum products.

To mitigate the potential hardships resulting from subsidy removal, Prof. Okaba emphasizes the importance of conducting comprehensive social impact assessments and implementing measures to cushion the effects. He suggests that the government should provide mass transit buses to improve transportation accessibility for citizens. Moreover, he advocates for sector-specific palliatives that support vulnerable groups, including civil servants, traders, market women, and transporters. These targeted initiatives would ensure that subsidy funds are effectively utilized and reach those most in need.

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The endorsement of President Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal plan by the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and other influential groups in the Niger Delta region marks a significant shift in public opinion. This support highlights the growing consensus that the subsidy regime has drained Nigeria’s resources, facilitated corruption, and disproportionately benefited a few individuals. However, it is crucial for the government to remain committed to implementing transparent measures that prioritize the welfare of its citizens, preventing the emergence of new avenues for corruption.

Prof. Benjamin Okaba’s questioning of the government’s inability to make the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries operational reignites the discussion surrounding Nigeria’s reliance on fuel subsidies and the urgent need for refinery revitalization. The success of private entrepreneur Aliko Dangote’s refinery project serves as a reminder of what can be achieved. As Nigeria moves forward with subsidy removal, it is essential for the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens by implementing targeted measures to cushion the effects and ensuring transparent reinvestment of subsidy funds for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Source: The Nation

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