By Nnasom David

The Conference of Energy & Finance Consultants (CEFC) has called on Nigeria’s major oil regulatory agencies to support the smooth operation of local refineries.

The group specifically urged the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, and the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, to implement policies that encourage the growth of local refining capacity in the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Engr. Anthony Igeriwa, spokesman for the CEFC, emphasized that strengthening local refineries is in the best interest of the Nigerian masses.

The group also called on the National Assembly to expedite its probe into the importation of adulterated petroleum products, urging lawmakers to ensure a steady and adequate supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries in Nigeria.

They noted that the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery in Lagos, recognized as the largest single-train refinery in Africa, has the potential to supply refined fuel to neighboring countries and beyond. The group highlighted the importance of supporting domestic refining to enhance product quality, ensure smooth supply chains, and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.