Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba social-political organisation, has asked President Bola Tinubu to guarantee that the Port Harcourt Refinery opens in December as promised.
The Federal Government had promised Nigerians that the local refinery will begin operations in December.
While reviewing the restoration work at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Limited facility, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil), promised that it would be operational by the end of the year.
Speaking on the country’s current economic predicament, Afenifere urged the government to keep its pledge in a communiqué published at the end of its caucus meeting in Akure.
The group believes that if the local refineries are forced to operate, the price of Premium Motor Spirit, or petrol, will fall.
According to the communiqué:
“The meeting also took note of the assurances being given in regard to the commencement of production of petroleum products by some Refineries in the country very soon.
“It then urged the government to ensure that the deadlines given are adhered to. For instance, the December deadline given for Port Harcourt Refinery to resume production should be met.
“This is with a view to bringing the cost of petroleum products down as high costs of these products are contributing to the soaring prices of commodities and services in the country.”
cc: Daily Post Ng
