On Thursday May 29, President Bola Tinubu’s administration will mark its first year in office. But Nigerians are growing increasingly frus rated with some of his policies that have contributed to rising cost of living and escalating prices of essential commodities.
Prophet Samson Ayorinde, General Overseer of the World Evangelism Inc. (WEBIC), during a recent encounter, advocated urgent action in addressing the staggering fuel shortages, ensuring reliable access to energy, and strengthening security measures towards building a prosperous nation. The cleric noted that despite being a member of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria remains the only oil-producing nation unable to consistently supply its citizens with the basic commodity.
His words: “If there are six modular refineries in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, fuel prices would reduce because of the increase in supply.
“The way forward is to encourage modular refineries through private sector participation in the supply of petrol and diesel. It’s wrong to be exporting crude abroad for processing and then return the commodity to Nigeria as import, thereby incurring unnecessary higher cost to the consumer. “Of course, we are at the mercy of foreign refineries, especially when they are having their Turn Around Maintenance (TAM). I believe this is what caused the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) should have stocked enough fuel to avoid the current embarrassment in the supply chain. The government has insisted it’s not increasing fuel prices, more so after removing subsidy which raised cost of fuel when the administration came in on May 29th, last year.”
Prophet Ayorinde stated further that Dangote Refinery has come on stream and the development has been having positive impact on diesel prices. He added that it’s up to the manufacturers to pass on the cheaper diesel to consumers in terms of lower prices of goods.
“The government isn’t telling us much on the situation of the Port Harcourt Refinery. We need to know when it will resume operations. The Kaduna Refinery is being repaired right now. But experts are saying the amount being spent on the facility may not be worth the effort.
“Rather they suggest a new one like modular refinery, which is cheaper to install, should be the ideal option. The Kaduna Refinery has gulped billions of dollars. The government should have a rethink on further repairs. Sometimes, the sabotage could come from those that built refineries, such that the owners would not be able to run it without recourse to them. Government should look into the cost and gains of the project.
Modular refineries can churn out between 20,000 and 30,000 barrels a day. If there are six modular refineries in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, fuel prices would reduce because of increase in supply.
“Operators of the refineries don’t have to incur foreign exchange by processing crude from abroad. Nigeria is sitting on good oil money that could be used to improve our infrastructure.”
Ayorinde was optimistic that the model would not only provide a steady, affordable fuel source for Nigerians, but also create much-needed jobs and economic opportunities.
Speaking on access to regular power supply as a fundamental right that deserves efficiency, the cleric said the government’s decision to split the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reflected an acknowledgment of the population’s surging energy demands. He suggested that all Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in the country must undergo restructuring to enhance efficiency and power supply.
He noted that the recent tariff increase by DISCOs must translate into improved service for consumers who deserve value for their payment. He described as a positive development, reduction in power sales to neighbouring countries, such as Benin Republic, Togo, and Cote D’Ivoire. He cautioned that the reduction should not come at the expense of Nigerian citizens, who have continued to experience debilitating power outages. Ayorinde also decried security challenges in the country, saying they have contributed to the alarming rise in food prices, and increased the burden on consumers.
He counselled that in a bid to ensure food security, farmers’ confidence must be restored by ensuring their safety and protecting their farmlands from bandits.
Ayorinde called for synergy among security agencies – the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS). He advised that they must collaborate effectively to secure the nation’s territory.
In order to foster self-sufficiency, the government, he said, should encourage and incentivise farming, such as providing farmers with fertilizers, equipment, and sharing of grains to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
Ayorinde stated further that states like Niger and Imo have taken commendable steps towards food sufficiency, but unity and effort are needed at a national level to utilise Nigeria’s rich, fertile land and feed its population effectively.
Amidst the pressing concerns, the cleric also said it is crucial for Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu and recognise the challenges he faces. He appealed to Nigerians to be patient and pray for the President. He emphasised the need to remain supportive as the administration strives to implement necessary reforms.
Ayorinde also stated that, WEBIC’s Gideonite College is collaborating with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to organise a post-rainy season crusade at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos at a soon-to-be-announced date. The college, according to him, has not closed its “applications for admissions for those who desire to become pastors. We have online and physical classes. Our workers, who participated in the retreats for ministers shall be issued certificates that will enable them to be ordained during our Convention/Mantle in November this year.
“Our radio crusade is on. We have two radio stations, Mainland Radio 98.3 FM, which airs on Saturdays and Crusade In The Studio VOP 90.3FM which comes on air from on Mondays.” Ayorinde asserted that with the support of the public and collaboration among various stakeholders, Nigeria could overcome its challenges and embark on a path of progress and development.