Yoruba Council rallies support for Tinubu’s energy reforms, seeks end to fuel imports

Yoruba Council rallies support for Tinubu’s energy reforms, seeks end to fuel imports

 The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba L’Agbaye) has declared full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to end Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, describing the practice as a “grave threat” to national energy security and economic stability.

In a joint statement with the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and several allied civil society organisations, the Council — led by its President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, Esq. — announced plans to hold a National Day of Solidarity Rally on Wednesday, November 12, in Lagos, in support of the administration’s reforms in the oil and gas sector.

The coalition urged President Tinubu to urgently address the persistent disputes within the industry, warning that entrenched interests and policy inconsistencies were undermining the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and stalling the nation’s march toward energy self-sufficiency.

“We strongly call for the immediate suspension of the issuance of petroleum importation licences, as certain oil interests are working assiduously to sabotage local refining and frustrate Nigeria’s energy independence,” Hassan said.

The group also raised alarm over what it described as “malicious narratives” being propagated by powerful figures within the petroleum sector, accusing them of obstructing much-needed reforms and attempting to derail national progress.

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While commending President Tinubu’s commitment to industrial revival, the Yoruba Council warned that continued issuance of fuel import licences through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) contravenes Section 317 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and poses serious risks to Nigeria’s energy future.

The coalition demanded a comprehensive forensic audit of oil unions, multinational operators, and regulatory agencies, with particular attention to cases of alleged sabotage, financial irregularities, and collusion.

“We urge the President to order a thorough investigation into the finances and activities of unions, multinationals, and regulatory bodies in the petroleum sector,” the statement read.

To boost local refining, the Council proposed the adoption of a Crude Exploration Nationalisation Policy Synergy Scheme, designed to increase crude supply to domestic refineries, protect indigenous investors, and create more jobs for Nigerian youths.

“We propose that crude oil supply to local refineries be increased by at least 100 percent to guarantee steady operations and promote energy sufficiency,” it added.

The coalition further called for higher trade tariffs — or an outright ban — on imported petroleum products, arguing that protective measures were necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s refining sector and align national policy with global best practices.

Condemning recent threats of industrial action in the oil and gas industry, the group described any disruption to crude or gas supply as “economic sabotage” capable of worsening fuel scarcity and destabilising the economy.

The coalition also lauded private-sector investments in local fuel distribution and infrastructure expansion, calling them patriotic efforts that align with Nigeria’s long-term energy goals.

“We are aware of several attempts by vested interests to frustrate the government’s stabilisation efforts; hence our call for prompt investigation by relevant security and financial intelligence agencies,” the Yoruba Council stated.

The Council urged Nigerians to participate actively in next week’s solidarity rally to reaffirm national unity and demonstrate support for President Tinubu’s reform-driven agenda toward achieving energy independence.

Yoruba Council rallies support for Tinubu’s energy reforms, seeks end to fuel imports