The President of the Ijesa Development Council, IDC, Supo Shadiya, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s refinery management and the broader petroleum sector.
Shadiya, who is an oil industry expert, spoke at the 50th edition of the Frontliners organised by the Osun State chapter of the League of Veteran Journalists, LVJ, on Wednesday in Osogbo.
Shadiya noted that all refineries in the country are government-owned and criticised the absence of effective maintenance culture within the sector.
He stressed that regular maintenance was essential for operational reliability and long-term efficiency.
According to him, inadequate attention to maintenance had contributed significantly to recurring breakdowns and the inability of the refineries to function optimally.
He added that improved practices would enhance productivity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
Shadiya also highlighted the impact of the Dangote Refinery, saying its commencement had led to a reduction in petroleum product prices and a decline in importation volumes across the country.
He stated that the prevailing issues in the sector were “closely linked to market dynamics. The current situation was a reflection of demand and supply forces at play.
“Good competition would have made it easier but we still need to recognise that Dangote seems to have the interest of the country at heart.”
The IDC president pointed to the foreign exchange situation as another challenge for the industry and explained that despite the positive developments brought by the Dangote Refinery, fluctuations in the dollar rate continued to influence operations and product pricing.
Shadiya commended Dangote for the significant contributions to petroleum distribution nationwide.
“Dollar aspect is also a challenge despite the fact that Dangote has done something very beautiful,” he stated.
He added that the refinery’s owner had invested in distribution channels, trucks and manpower to ensure products reached consumers across the country.
According to him, these moves had helped stabilise supply despite persistent industry hurdles.
Shadiya also alleged that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, had placed considerable pressure on Dangote Refinery from the beginning, but maintained that the company had stayed committed to its distribution objectives.
He added that subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu has been of immense benefit to Nigeria but its implementation has been the bane of the process.
“Subsidy removal was done in good faith but what has Nigeria done with it? The benefit from it is not trickling down to the people
“Tinubu has said multiple times that Nigerians should hold their governors accountable
“Until we hold our governors accountable we will not get them to fulfil reindeer services to us,” he lamented.
