By JOAN NWAGWU

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has called for the decentralisation of crude oil refining across the country, saying the move could reduce the pump price of petroleum to about N100 per litre.

The General Secretary of the forum, Mr Andrew Emelieze, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Emelieze said allowing state governments to establish and operate refineries would promote competition, enhance efficiency and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

“Decentralising refining will promote healthy competition among states and ultimately reduce the pump price of petrol.

“When states refine crude locally, dependence on imports will reduce and scarce foreign exchange will be conserved.

“This approach will not only lower fuel prices but also create jobs and stimulate industrial development across the country,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s current economic challenges, particularly the rising cost of living, are closely linked to high energy costs following the removal of fuel subsidy.

He said decentralised refining would ease pressure on foreign exchange, create jobs and stimulate industrial growth across the states.

Emelieze added that the policy would also strengthen energy security by reducing risks associated with pipeline vandalism and distribution bottlenecks.

He urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to enact the necessary legislation and provide financial support to enable states to develop modular refineries.

He noted that investing in local refining capacity would not only reduce fuel prices but also improve electricity generation, fertiliser production and other downstream activities.

Emelieze said the proposal, if implemented, would lead to economic transformation, reduce poverty and enhance national development.

He added that the time had come for Nigeria to adopt practical, homegrown solutions to its energy challenges.(NAN)

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