By Abdullahi Yusuf
As the Dangote Refinery commences production, the National Patriotic Elders Forum has advised President Ahmad Bola Tinubu to ensure the sale of Nigeria’s crude oil to the refinery in Naira.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Kano, the National President of the Forum, Dr. Bature AbdulAziz, said this would enhance the value of the Naira as well as make the petroleum products of the company more affordable to Nigerians.
AbdulAziz commended President Tinubu for ensuring the commencement of the refinery’s production,pointing out that the sale of the refined products would boost the value of the Naira and stabilize the oil and gas market in Nigeria
“There should be a robust working cooperation and understanding between the Government and Dangote Refinery to ensure that the prices of petroleum products are reduced when the refinery commences full production.
“I believe that when the Refinery commences full production the hard-earned Nigerian foreign currency being wasted on importation of refined petroleum products will be channeled to other important sectors that will boost the living standards of Nigerians,” he said.
The President also said that the actualization of the Dangote Refinery Production showed that all the promises of President Tinubu would be realised, adding,”what he needs now are the patience and understanding of the Citizens.”
AbdulAziz then urged President Tinubu to give much priority to agriculture so as to boost the nation’s food security and drastically curtail insecurity, especially in rural areas.
“Government also needs to intensify efforts to address the escalating insecurity in the country.It should devise new strategies with Intelligence networking given more attention.
“We know that the President is doing his best in that regard,but more needs to be done to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians,” he added.