ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has described the continued importation of petroleum products into Nigeria as shameful.
This is despite the country’s being one of the largest producers of crude oil in the world.
The Governor stated this on Sunday in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, at the 10-year remembrance service of Chief Jeremiah Ighodalo, father of the Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
He said “the continuous importation of fuel into the nation is a patriotic shame to Nigeria.
“As one of the largest producers of crude oil in the African continent, Nigeria has no business importing fuel into the country. It’s a shame we are still importing fuel.
“As a nation, we should not be importing fuel at this point in our life. It’s a patriotic shame, borrowing from the words of Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adiche,” he said.
Speaking also, the President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, while speaking on his refinery, said the plant will hopefully begin operation and supply of products in 2023.
He explained that the refinery can provide petroleum products for the whole of Nigeria and some parts of West and Central Africa hopefully by 2023,.
Also, he expressed hope that the refinery will address the importation of fuel once it commences operation.