A group of northern youths, Arewa Youths Initiative
For Energy Reforms (AYIFER), has urged the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO)
of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mallam
Mele Kyari, to ensure that the Kaduna refinery is completed on time and meets
high operational standards.
AYIFER stressed that the future of the northern region
relies heavily on the successful commissioning of the Kaduna refinery,
which is viewed as a crucial economic asset.
The group expressed its desire for a facility
comparable to the
Dangote refinery in Lagos ,
urging Kyari to steer clear of models like the Port Harcourt refinery,
which has faced criticism from stakeholders and host communities as a mere
blending plant.
The statement highlighted that, while AYIFER has not
visited the Port Harcourt refinery since its reopening, feedback has been
largely negative, with critics labelling it substandard.
"The commentaries there, especially from host
communities and other Nigerians, are not encouraging at all," the
statement read.
The group reiterated its belief in Kyari's capability
as an experienced geologist and exploration expert.
"We know he is an extremely busy person and may
face pressure from sycophants, but he should resist anything that could tarnish
his reputation," they said.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC's executive director,
argued that instead of turning attention to the Warri refinery in Delta
state
, the oil industry should focus on the Kaduna
refinery “for security concerns, strategic planning, and geopolitical
balancing”.
Comments:
Leave a Reply