The National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide, Engr. Jator Abido, has called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to urgently intervene in the escalating cost of fuel across the country by supporting local refineries with improved access to crude oil at discounted rates.
Speaking during a press briefing with Niger Delta Chronicles, Engr. Abido emphasized that enabling local refineries to access crude oil at concessionary or discounted prices would significantly reduce the cost of refined petroleum products. This measure, he said, would go a long way in easing the severe financial burden currently faced by millions of Nigerians across the country. He stressed that the continued surge in fuel prices has intensified economic hardship for ordinary citizens, particularly those residing in the Niger Delta and other vulnerable communities who already face socio-economic challenges.
Engr. Abido also urged the Federal Government to consider introducing floating filling stations in riverine communities across the Niger Delta and other coastal areas in Nigeria. He highlighted that residents of these communities often face extreme difficulty accessing fuel due to logistical challenges, poor road networks, and the absence of nearby filling stations. Floating stations, according to him, would greatly enhance fuel distribution, making petroleum products more readily accessible to people living in remote and hard-to-reach areas, while also reducing travel time and associated costs for residents.
Further, he encouraged the Federal Government to provide support for state governments and private investors willing to partner in improving the nation’s refining capacity. He specifically called on governors of Niger Delta states to explore the possibility of bidding for the takeover and rehabilitation of refineries within the region. Engr. Abido noted that such initiatives could boost regional refining capacity, create employment opportunities, stabilize the supply of petroleum products, and ultimately help alleviate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
The Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies and programs that promote economic relief, energy accessibility, and sustainable development for the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. Engr. Abido concluded that decisive action from President Tinubu and other relevant stakeholders would be deeply appreciated by Nigerians and serve as a demonstration of leadership focused on addressing the economic challenges affecting the masses.
Signed:
Engr. Jator Abido
National Coordinator
Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide
