Clark Lauds Dangote Refinery, urges Tinubu to support local initiatives

The National Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has applauded Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the successful rollout of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which began nationwide distribution on September 15, 2024..
In a statement released on September 16, 2024, Chief Clark described the refinery as a transformative project for Nigeria’s economy, which has long been plagued by fuel shortages and a reliance on imports.
“The impact of this project on our nation’s energy security, employment, and economic development will be felt for generations to come,” he said.
Chief Clark further acknowledged the refinery’s potential to create thousands of jobs for Nigerian youth and to bring an end to the country’s fuel scarcity.

Despite his inability to visit the refinery due to age, Clark conveyed optimism about its positive influence on the national economy. He expressed hope that the facility’s operation would eventually make fuel queues at filling stations a thing of the past.

The elder statesman also commended Dangote’s continued philanthropic efforts, such as the distribution of rice across Nigeria, while urging other entrepreneurs to show similar dedication to national development. Additionally, he encouraged Dangote to consider establishing projects in the Niger Delta region.

Chief Clark also extended his congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, crediting his administration’s support for the realization of this landmark project. He urged President Tinubu to maintain his support for similar initiatives in the oil and gas sector and to ensure a steady supply of crude oil to the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery.
Clark emphasized that fuel pricing must remain fair to avoid causing further hardship for Nigerians, saying, “In most countries of the world, certain goods which they produce are easily affordable to their citizens. President Tinubu, this must not be different here in Nigeria.”

Moreover, he called on the President to revisit the policy of establishing modular refineries in the Niger Delta region. The policy, endorsed by the previous administration, included plans to create a special fund to support smaller, community-based refineries to complement larger facilities like Dangote’s.

Chief Clark expressed hope that Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products would soon become a thing of the past, heralding a new era of national pride and economic stability.
He reiterated his best wishes to Dangote, President Tinubu, and their teams for continued success in transforming Nigeria’s oil sector.

The comming on stream of the Dangote Refinery he indicated ass a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency and economic rejuvenation, adding that it will offer a potential end to decades of challenges related to fuel importation and scarcity.

Part of the message reads,

“On behalf of the people of the South South geopolitical zone, I would like to begin by extending my very big congratulations and commendation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON on the successful completion of the Dangote Refinery and the rollout of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) 3rd September 2024 and the commencement of supply to the entire country starting from 15th October, 2024.

“It is clear to all Nigerians that Alhaji Dangote’s pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation have once again positioned Nigeria on the global stage. At my age, I am unable to go physically to visit the refinery.
“However, going by all the information, the impact of this project on our nation’s energy security, employment, and economic development will be felt for generations to come.
“There is no doubt that this significant milestone will greatly boost the Nigerian economy by increasing domestic production, reducing reliance on imports, and creating thousands of jobs for our young people. If things go well as we are told, the shame and pain of long queues at filling stations will soon become a thing of the past.
“Even as I wait for Aliko Dangote to establish similar presence through projects in the Niger Delta, I also take this avenue to commend him for his continued works of philanthropy, including the distribution of rice to all parts of Nigeria.
“I urge all other entrepreneurs like him to show similar commitment to our national development and upliftment of our people.”

“Let me also remind Mr. President, that this is also an opportunity to reopen the policy of creating of Modular Refineries in the Niger Delta to compliment the Dangote Refinery.
“This policy of Modular Refineries is one that was already endorsed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, with a promise to create a Special Fund. ”