Protecting Our Domestic Refiners: A Key to Nigeria’s Energy Security

Protecting Our Domestic Refiners: A Key to Nigeria’s Energy Security

Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 17, 2025

Nigeria’s ambition to achieve energy self-sufficiency hinges significantly on the protection and support of its domestic refining industry. As the country strives to reduce fuel import dependency, safeguarding local refineries from sabotage, smuggling, and policy inconsistencies remains a top priority.

Challenges Facing Domestic Refiners

• Sabotage and Vandalism: Nigerian refineries and pipelines have frequently been targets of vandalism and militant attacks, disrupting production and leading to huge financial losses. (Premium Times)
• Fuel Smuggling: Cheap fuel smuggled from neighboring countries undermines the competitiveness of locally refined products, threatening the sustainability of domestic refineries. (Vanguard)
  -Policy Uncertainty: Inconsistent government policies and regulatory frameworks sometimes disincentivize investments in refinery maintenance and expansion. (ThisDay)

Government Actions and Industry Efforts

• Security Enhancements: The Nigerian government has intensified security patrols and surveillance around refinery sites to prevent attacks and minimize downtime. Collaboration between the military, security agencies, and refinery management is key. (Channels TV)
• Support for Dangote Refinery: The recent commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, symbolizes a strategic move to boost local refining capacity. Efforts to protect and maximize output from this facility are critical to meeting national fuel demands. (BBC News)
• Anti-Smuggling Measures: Border controls have been strengthened to combat fuel smuggling, alongside ongoing public awareness campaigns about the economic impact of illegal trade. (Punch)

Why Protecting Domestic Refiners Matters

• Energy Independence: Boosting local refining reduces Nigeria’s vulnerability to global oil price shocks and supply chain disruptions.
• Economic Growth: Domestic refineries create jobs, stimulate industrial activities, and contribute to government revenues.
• National Security: Stable fuel supply is essential for transportation, power generation, and overall national development.

Conclusion

Protecting domestic refiners is not just an industrial issue; it is a strategic imperative for Nigeria’s economic and energy future. Coordinated efforts between government, security agencies, and the private sector will be vital in securing Nigeria’s refining assets and realizing the dream of energy self-sufficiency.

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About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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