An independent Nigeria once boasted its entry into the prestigious circle of global petroleum oil and gas producers. The petroleum sector transformed the economic landscape, becoming the major foreign exchange earner while displacing coal as a cleaner, more efficient energy resource. In 1965, Nigeria took a significant step by establishing an indigenous oil refinery in Alasa Eleme (PH refinery), developed by Shell BP. By the late 1970s, more refineries were built in Warri and Kaduna, expanding Nigeria’s refining capacity to four, with a total capacity of 445,000 barrels per day. This was complemented by the establishment of storage depots and 6,000 km of interconnecting pipeline networks to enhance product distribution.
However, the last decade has seen these refineries fall into a state of disrepair, despite substantial investments in their rehabilitation. Successive governments resorted to importing petroleum products, leading to the depletion of national foreign reserves and weakening the economy while the refineries remained neglected. This raises critical questions: Is this the desired quest for value addition to development? Is this indicative of a governance structure that demonstrates sincerity of purpose?
As successive governments, whether knowingly or unknowingly, have exacerbated the economic crisis, one must ponder how much we have accepted this reality. What measures are in place for transparent recovery? Leadership should be built on trust, not popularity. How can leaders ask citizens to tighten their belts while they indulge in financial recklessness?
Consider the ostentatious convoys of expensive SUVs accompanying these leaders. Reflect on the enigmatic security votes that state governors corner, along with their undermining of local government autonomy and usurpation of funds, leaving rural areas in stagnation. Meanwhile, these governors appear to manipulate Supreme Court rulings regarding local government autonomy, questioning whether such rulings are not meant to be effective immediately. The recent revelation of senators reportedly taking home N21 million monthly in salaries strikes a jarring note against the backdrop of widespread economic hardship and poverty, yet the institutions that should act against these exorbitant salaries remain silent and indifferent. Is this truly the path to liberate the nation from its economic malaise?
Nigerians, why do these issues not disturb us, considering our country’s rich human and natural resources? Are we under some sort of spell? This situation is alarming!
EMPTY WORDS!
As I listlessly skimmed through President Tinubu’s Independence Day speech last week, I was struck by the glaring disconnect between his stirring words and the harsh realities we face—realities that his government has created. I find myself questioning whether anyone still believes anything he says.
Excerpts from his speech read:
“Fellow Nigerians, better days are ahead of us. The challenges of the moment must always make us believe in ourselves. We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances.
I urge you to believe in our nation’s promise. The road ahead may be challenging, but we will forge a path toward a brighter future with your support. Together, we will cultivate a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens, a nation that resonates with pride, dignity, and shared success.
As agents of change, we can shape our destiny and build a brighter future by ourselves, for ourselves and for future generations.
Please join our administration in this journey towards a brighter future. Let us work together to build a greater Nigeria where every citizen can access opportunities and every child can grow up with hope and promise.”
DONU’S WORLD
I have a YouTube channel called DONU’S WORLD.
You can check it out every Friday at DONU’S WORLD to watch me discuss issues that interest me and other humans. Please “like,” subscribe, and share!
In today’s episode, I talk about why I found my recent birthday immensely depressing and chose not to celebrate it.