Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit a policy that allows the establishment of modular refineries in the Niger Delta region.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari had put in place the policy to encourage the creation of modular refineries in the country to ensure the availability of the petroleum products in the country.
Buhari, in November 2020, inaugurated a 5,000 barrels per day Waltersmith modular refinery in Ibigwe, Imo state.
In a statement on Tuesday, Clark said the modular refineries would complement the efforts of the Dangote refinery.
“Let me also extend my congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under whose leadership this remarkable achievement has been realized,” he 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 produe 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.”
The elder statesman added that the Dangote refinery would ensure energy security and create jobs.
