The President of the Ijesa Development Council (IDC), Supo Shadiya, has lamented the poor maintenance culture in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, saying it remains a major factor hindering the efficient operation of the nation’s refineries.
Shadiya, an oil industry expert, stated this on Wednesday in Osogbo while speaking as a guest at the 50th edition of Frontliners, organised by the Osun State chapter of the League of Veteran Journalists (LVJ).
He noted that aside from the Dangote Refinery, all refineries in the country are government-owned, adding that their persistent failures stem largely from decades of inadequate maintenance.
According to him, regular and structured maintenance is vital for operational reliability and long-term efficiency.
Shadiya explained that the recurring breakdowns and underperformance of the refineries were direct consequences of poor attention to routine maintenance.
He stressed that adopting proper maintenance practices would significantly boost productivity and reduce the nation’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Speaking on the influence of the Dangote Refinery, Shadiya said its operations have already contributed to a drop in petroleum product prices and a reduction in import volumes.
He described current developments in the sector as a reflection of market dynamics, driven by demand and supply forces.
“Good competition would have made it easier, but we still need to recognise that Dangote seems to have the interest of the country at heart,” he said.
Shadiya also identified the flunctating foreign exchange rate as a major challenge confronting the industry. He noted that despite the positive impact of the Dangote Refinery, volatility in the dollar rate continues to affect operations and pricing within the petroleum value chain.
He commended Aliko Dangote for what he described as notable contributions to petroleum distribution nationwide.
“Dollar aspect is also a challenge despite the fact that Dangote has done something very beautiful,” he stated.
He added that the refinery’s owner had invested in distribution channels, trucks and manpower to ensure products reached consumers across the country.
According to him, these moves had helped stabilise supply despite persistent industry hurdles.
Shadiya also alleged that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN had placed considerable pressure on Dangote from the beginning, but maintained that the company had stayed committed to its distribution objectives.
He added that subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu has been of immense benefit to Nigeria but its implementation has been the bane of the process.
“Subsidy removal was done in good faith but what has Nigeria done with it? The benefit from it is not trickling down to the people
“Tinubu has said multiple times that Nigerians should hold their governors accountable
“Until we hold our governors accountable we will not get them to fulfil reindeer services to us,” he lamented.
