The Independent Marketers Branch of the National Union of Petroleum Marketers and Natural Gas Workers has called upon President Bola Tinubu and the management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited to accelerate the process of revamping the nation’s refineries.
Comrade Oluleye Olayemi, the chairman of the branch, made this appeal during a press interaction following his re-election for a second term.
Fuel marketers advocate refinery revamp
Olayemi emphasized that the refurbishment of the refineries is essential to alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies for citizens.
However, he expressed disagreement with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had suggested that the nation’s refineries might never become operational again.
Olayemi found Obasanjo’s statement deeply concerning.
He acknowledged that while there might be corruption within the system or processes, with genuine political will and sincerity, the government could facilitate the turnaround of the refineries.
Olayemi stated that the branch supports the stance of the Nigerian Labour and NUPENG National Executive Council on the deregulation policy within the oil and gas industry.
Regarding the subsidy removal, Olayemi opined that it was the right decision, but he questioned the timing, suggesting that it could have been deferred until the refineries were fully operational.
He stressed the adverse impact of deregulation on their operations, highlighting that many marketers were unable to load, which in turn affected their members who couldn’t attend work.
He called on the government to expedite the refurbishment and maintenance of the refineries, stating that without this, many people would lose their jobs.