Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, the Nigerian human rights activist, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Federal Government of Nigeria to, as a matter of urgency, consider granting licenses to small modular refineries to produce fuel in regions with crude oil.

Comrade Agberen made the call in a statement sent to our correspondent in Warri.

He said this would lead to a drastic price reduction if over 200 small-scale mini refineries operate optimally.

He suggested that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) should put its own refineries into full operation to ensure a competitive free market.

He stressed that, “It’s erroneous to have a refinery in Nigeria and still buy fuel for over N500 per liter.”

While noting that Dangote refinery has been working to fix and maintain its refineries, Comrade Agberen said the Nigerian Government has nothing to show for it.

Comrade Agberen added that Dangote should sell directly to marketers and not to NNPCL.

According to him, “Does this mean the Nigerian government is incapable of managing any of its refineries, or is it a deliberate attempt by those in authority to thwart the country’s efforts?”