Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to enhance the security of Nigeria’s revamped oil refineries by directing the Nigerian Army to increase surveillance around these critical facilities. In an open letter to the president, Adeyanju commended Tinubu for overseeing the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, acknowledging the positive impact of these developments on Nigeria’s oil sector.
Acknowledging the Rehabilitation of Refineries
Adeyanju began by highlighting the recent media coverage surrounding the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which had been dormant for several years due to neglect, inefficiency, and infrastructural decay. The rehabilitation efforts, which have included modernizing and reviving the refineries, represent a significant milestone for the country’s oil sector. According to Adeyanju, the return of production from the Port Harcourt refinery is particularly noteworthy, as it marks a turning point in the nation’s ability to produce petroleum products domestically.
He emphasized that these efforts are especially timely given the ongoing struggles faced by Nigerians due to the high cost of petroleum products, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. For many Nigerians, the soaring price of fuel has been a source of frustration, leading to widespread economic hardship. Therefore, the rejuvenation of the refineries presents an opportunity to improve the availability of locally produced petroleum products, which could increase competition and potentially reduce fuel prices across the nation.
Adeyanju praised President Tinubu for this critical intervention, which he believes has the potential to alleviate the economic burdens on Nigerians. The successful rehabilitation of the refineries is seen as a long-awaited achievement that could play a significant role in improving the country’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
The Need for Enhanced Security Around Oil Facilities
While Adeyanju commended the president for the positive strides made in revitalizing the refineries, he also pointed out the ongoing challenges surrounding the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. He noted that despite efforts to boost domestic oil production, the country continues to grapple with significant challenges related to oil theft, vandalism, and illegal exploitation by non-state actors. These activities have been detrimental to Nigeria’s oil sector, causing severe financial losses and undermining the effectiveness of the refineries’ operations.
Adeyanju argued that while the Nigerian Navy has been responsible for guarding the nation’s oil facilities, it is now evident that the Navy is overstretched and unable to provide the necessary level of protection to all oil installations. He emphasized that oil theft and illegal exploitation are pervasive problems that threaten not only the refineries but also the country’s broader oil sector.
In light of this, Adeyanju called on President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian Army to step in and bolster security around the country’s oil facilities. He proposed that the army’s increased presence could help protect the refineries from oil theft and prevent further damage to the nation’s critical infrastructure. Adeyanju’s suggestion aims to provide a more robust security arrangement to complement the efforts of the Navy and ensure that the revived refineries can operate at full capacity without the threat of sabotage or criminal activity.
Urging Action to Improve the Lives of Nigerians
Beyond his call for increased security around the oil refineries, Adeyanju also used the letter to urge President Tinubu to take additional steps to improve the standard of living for Nigerians. He reminded the president of the promises made during his election campaign, particularly those related to addressing the economic challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. Adeyanju stressed that it is now time for the government to take concrete actions to ensure that the average Nigerian benefits from the policies being implemented.
While the rehabilitation of the refineries is a significant achievement, Adeyanju cautioned that it should be part of a broader strategy to tackle the systemic issues that continue to plague the Nigerian economy. He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which are essential for the long-term prosperity and well-being of the country’s citizens.
A Call for Urgent Action
In closing, Adeyanju called on President Tinubu to take urgent and decisive steps to enhance the security of Nigeria’s oil assets, particularly the revamped refineries. He reiterated that the Nigerian Army’s involvement in safeguarding the country’s oil facilities is critical to ensuring that the benefits of the refineries’ rehabilitation are not undermined by criminal activity. Adeyanju also urged the president to remain focused on improving the lives of Nigerians, reminding him that the success of his administration should be measured by its ability to deliver tangible improvements to the everyday lives of the people.
The letter highlights the importance of combining efforts to revitalize critical infrastructure, such as the refineries, with measures to strengthen national security and address the economic challenges faced by the population. It also calls for a holistic approach to governance that prioritizes the welfare of citizens and the stability of the nation’s vital sectors.
Conclusion
Deji Adeyanju’s open letter to President Bola Tinubu serves as both a commendation of the president’s efforts in revitalizing Nigeria’s oil refineries and a call for further action to secure the country’s oil infrastructure. By urging the president to direct the Nigerian Army to increase surveillance and protection around these refineries, Adeyanju underscores the critical need for a multifaceted approach to solving the country’s energy security challenges. The letter also reminds the government of its obligation to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians, in line with its campaign promises. With these recommendations, Adeyanju hopes to contribute to the broader conversation about the future of Nigeria’s oil sector and the well-being of its people.
