PENGASSAN: Time for Nigeria to start refining oil locally

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), on Sunday urged the federal government to step up its commitment to stimulating local refining of crude oil in 2015.

Bayo Olowoshile, the general secretary of the union who spoke with NAN in Lagos, observed that only domestic refining could end the crises in the oil and gas sector.

“The key focus of the government in 2015 should be to stimulate local refining of petroleum, white products and petrochemical products,” he said.

“Domestic gas production for energy, industry, agricultural and automotive purposes should be given ultimate attention in the New Year.”

He urged the government to cut the rate of importation of products by 50 per cent, saying job creation and manpower utilisation should also be a priority of the government at such time like this when crime rate has increased.

“Many of our present challenges are tied to unemployment and government’s inability to channel the youthful strength of our young people into productive activities,” he added.

Olowoshile noted that a slice in importations of products would not only stabilise the economy but also create millions of job to unemployed youths in the country.

“The importation of finished products into the country is a canker worm that has left many Nigerians jobless,” he said.

“Government should boost local capacity development and curb idleness in the country. Government should halt capital flights in the New Year to save enough money for infrastructure and socioeconomic development of the nation.

“Government to do everything possible towards ensuring restoration of national peace and tranquility.”