CSOs, NLC Demands Transparency In Energy Sector, Urge FG To Revive Refineries
By Agada Daniel, Jos
Civil society organisations and the organised labour have called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently address the country’s deepening energy crisis, stressing that rising fuel prices is crippling livelihoods, small businesses, and national productivity.
The demand was made at the end of the Civil Society and Organized Labour Roundtable engagement on the Rising Cost of Energy in Nigeria, convened by Equity International and CYPA Africa in partnership with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday, at Crispan Hotel, in Jos the Plateau State capital.
The Chief Convener of the Civil Society and Organized Labour Roundtable engagement on the Rising Cost of Energy in Nigeria, Mr Chris Iyama reading a communiqué at the end of the engagement held at Crispan Hotel in Jos the Plateau State capital.
They made 12 key recommendations among which is a called on the federal government of Nigeria to “prioritize transparency and accountability across the entire petroleum and energy value chain, including crude allocation, pricing structures, subsidy-related arrangements, and regulatory oversight.
“The Federal Government should urgently develop and implement practical measures to cushion the effects of rising energy costs on citizens, workers, transport operators, and small businesses.”
Iyama noted that deliberate investments must be made towards improving public transportation systems as part of broader social protection and economic stabilization efforts.
“Nigeria must aggressively strengthen domestic refining capacity by reviving functional refineries, encouraging modular refinery development, and supporting sustainable local refining initiatives.
“Licenses of non-performing refinery operators should be reviewed, while capable investors willing to refine locally should be supported through transparent and competitive licensing processes.
“Government should consider strategic crude supply arrangements to domestic refineries in ways that support affordability, local supply stability, and long-term energy security,” he stated
“Government should adopt long-term energy governance models that prioritize national interest, economic resilience, local production, and citizens’ welfare.”
“Depot system should be reactivated for the movement of petroleum products across the country.
The communiqué added that “the energy crisis in Nigeria should not be viewed solely as an economic issue but as a governance and social justice challenge requiring coordinated national action.
