Lagos, Nigeria — The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba L’Agbaye), in collaboration with the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and several civil society organisations, has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products. The coalition described the country’s continued dependence on foreign-refined fuel as a major threat to national energy security and economic stability.
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Solidarity Rally Scheduled for November 12
In a joint statement signed by the Council’s President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, Esq., the coalition announced plans to hold a National Day of Solidarity Rally on Wednesday, November 12, in Lagos, to mobilize citizens in support of the Federal Government’s energy reforms.
Call for Suspension of Fuel Import Licences
The coalition urged President Tinubu to immediately suspend the issuance of petroleum importation licences, alleging that certain industry players were deliberately sabotaging domestic refining and working against Nigeria’s energy independence.
“We strongly call for the immediate suspension of petroleum importation licences, noting that powerful oil interests are sabotaging local refining to frustrate national progress,” the Council said.
Allegations of Sabotage and Policy Manipulation
The groups condemned what they termed “malicious narratives” being spread by influential figures within the oil and gas sector, accusing them of blocking reforms meant to strengthen the nation’s refining capacity and stabilize fuel supply.
The coalition warned that the continued issuance of fuel import licences by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) contradicts Section 317 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and threatens the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Demand for Forensic Probe of Oil Regulators and Unions
The Yoruba Council called on President Tinubu to order a comprehensive forensic investigation into the activities of oil unions, multinational corporations, and regulatory agencies, to expose alleged sabotage, financial misconduct, and collusion.
Proposal to Boost Local Refining
To expand domestic refining capacity, the coalition proposed a Crude Exploration Nationalisation Policy Synergy Scheme, which would increase crude supply to local refineries and create more employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
“We propose that crude supply to local refineries be increased by at least 100% to ensure stable operations and sustained energy sufficiency,” the statement added.
Warning Against Industrial Action
The coalition also condemned threats of strikes in the oil and gas sector, describing any disruption of crude or gas supply as economic sabotage capable of worsening fuel scarcity nationwide.
Support for Private Refinery Investments
The groups commended ongoing private-sector investments in fuel distribution and refinery operations, describing them as patriotic contributions to Nigeria’s journey toward energy independence.
Call for Mass Participation
The Yoruba Council urged Nigerians across states to join the November 12 Solidarity Rally, reaffirming support for President Tinubu’s reforms and unity of the nation.
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