The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has promised to restore Nigeria’s four government-owned refineries to full operation if elected president in 2027.
Sowore made the pledge on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he outlined his plans for the country’s petroleum sector.
The AAC candidate blamed the prolonged failure of the state-owned refineries on corruption, poor management and the alleged diversion of funds by successive administrations.
He argued that restoring the refineries would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products and help lower the cost of fuel.
Sowore said local refining could also generate employment opportunities for young Nigerians and retain more money within the domestic economy.
He questioned why Nigeria continues to import petroleum products from other countries that have invested in refining crude oil, despite having refineries of its own.
According to him, Nigeria’s daily fuel consumption means that even a modest reduction in the cost of each litre could translate into substantial savings for the economy.
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He pointed out that Nigeria imports refined petroleum products from countries within the region, despite having crude oil resources and four refineries that were established to meet domestic demand.
Sowore said his administration would prioritise the rehabilitation and effective management of the refineries instead of continuing to depend heavily on imported fuel.
He also disclosed that he would not remove petrol subsidy if elected president.
The AAC candidate said his administration would focus on protecting poor Nigerians while tackling corruption within the subsidy system.
He argued that the removal of subsidy should not be presented as the only solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges, insisting that government resources could be used to cushion the impact of fuel prices on vulnerable citizens.
Sowore said the priority should be to prevent corruption and ensure that public resources meant to support Nigerians are not diverted.
He maintained that Nigerians needed a government capable of supporting the poor while also fighting corruption and improving the country’s domestic refining capacity.
His position comes amid growing debate among presidential candidates over fuel subsidy, petrol pricing and the future of Nigeria’s petroleum industry ahead of the 2027 general election.
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