Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called for an end to petrol importation by the Nigerian federal government. He emphasized the need for the allocation of 450,000 barrels of crude oil per day for domestic consumption to be directed toward local refineries.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Falana highlighted that ensuring crude availability for domestic refining would lessen Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel and alleviate challenges arising from the recent removal of the petrol subsidy.
According to Falana, while the subsidy system was unsustainable and marked by fraud, the Nigerian populace has not yet seen adequate benefits from the increased revenue that the government has been claiming since the subsidy’s abolition. He voiced concerns over the actual consumption figures being reported and questioned the justification for continued fuel imports despite having operational local refineries.
He pointed out that the Dangote Refinery has been increasingly supplying refined products and exporting some, questioning why fuel importation still accounts for approximately 43% of consumption in Nigeria.
Falana also stated that the federal government should prioritize local refinery operations rather than depend on costly fuel imports. He demanded accountability regarding the funds allocated for fuel imports, previously estimated at about $10 billion annually, questioning whether these savings are benefiting the Nigerian people.
Amidst the upcoming 2027 general elections, the debate surrounding subsidy removal has intensified. Falana criticized the influence of international financial institutions on Nigeria’s economic policies, accusing them of dictating detrimental decisions, including the subsidy removal.
In conclusion, Falana proposed two immediate actions: ensuring the allocation of the daily crude oil barrels to local consumption is honored and enforcing laws for the financial autonomy of local governments, thereby ensuring funds reach the intended communities.
