Yoruba Council Supports Tinubu’s Drive for Energy Independence
The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba L’Agbaye) has expressed its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products. The group views the country’s continued dependence on fuel imports as a serious threat to energy security and economic stability.
In a joint statement with the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and other allied civil society organizations, signed by the Council’s President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, the coalition announced plans to hold a National Day of Solidarity Rally on Wednesday, 12 November, in Lagos. This event aims to show public support for the President’s vision of energy self-sufficiency.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to address ongoing disputes within the oil and gas sector. They warned that vested interests and inconsistent policies are undermining the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and hindering progress towards energy independence.
“We strongly call for the immediate suspension of the issuance of petroleum importation licences, as certain oil interests are working assiduously to sabotage local refining and undermine Nigeria’s energy independence,” Hassan stated.
The groups also expressed concern over what they described as “malicious narratives” being spread by influential figures in the petroleum industry. These actors, according to the coalition, are obstructing necessary reforms aimed at strengthening the sector and advancing national development.
While commending President Tinubu for his commitment to national progress, the Yoruba Council warned that the continued issuance of fuel import licenses through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) violates Section 317 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). This, they argue, poses serious risks to the country’s energy future.
“We urge President Tinubu to order a comprehensive forensic investigation into the activities and finances of oil unions, multinationals, and regulatory agencies, particularly to expose acts of sabotage, financial impropriety, and regulatory collusion,” the coalition demanded.
The Council proposed a Crude Exploration Nationalisation Policy Synergy Scheme, aimed at boosting crude oil supply to domestic refineries, protecting local investors, and creating employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
“We propose that the President initiate a scheme to increase crude supply to local refineries by at least 100 per cent, ensuring steady operations and promoting energy sufficiency,” the statement added.
The coalition also called for higher trade tariffs—or a total ban—on imported petroleum products. They argued that such protective measures were necessary to sustain local refining capacity and bring Nigeria’s energy policies in line with global best practices.
Condemning threats of industrial action in the oil and gas industry, the groups described any attempt to disrupt crude or gas supplies as “economic sabotage” capable of worsening fuel scarcity and destabilizing the national economy.
They further commended recent private-sector investments aimed at improving local fuel distribution networks and expanding access to petroleum products nationwide, describing these initiatives as patriotic contributions to Nigeria’s pursuit of energy independence.
“We are aware of multiple attempts by vested interests to frustrate ongoing efforts to stabilize the sector, hence our call for thorough investigations by relevant security and financial intelligence agencies,” the Yoruba Council noted.
Finally, the coalition urged Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming rally in support of President Tinubu’s reform initiatives and to reaffirm national unity.