The fuel crisis has given a lot of Nigerians sleepless nights. Many activities have been disrupted due to the non-availability and prohibitive cost of the product which is considered to be a very essential commodity across the country. In this interview by Ayomiposi Fagbayi, Olamide Lasisi, John Oyebode, Temilade Ayodele, Adesewa Adebunmi, Ogunsiji Akinkunle, Faridat Morakinyo, Eniola Durojaiye, Motunrade Adegoke, Anuoluwapo Otekaye and Precious Adetoyinbo, Nigerians air their their disposition towards the problem, as well as their thoughts about the prospects of Dangote Refinery.
Ojariare Nelson, Engineer
Dangote Refinery is a huge progress and a first of its kind in Nigeria, one of the biggest individual refineries in Africa. The refinery is essential for the country: no more importation of fuel. It will bring huge development and innovation.
Tunde Adedokun, Broadcaster
I don’t believe that Dangote Refinery produces Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) from scratch. The Nigeria we are in today, things are not always the way we view them. The refinery was not completed to 40 percent before it started functioning and was opened. We might hear another story about Dangote Refinery because this is Nigeria. The structure of Dangote Refinery is meant for the big people, mostly the shareholders. I also don’t think this would improve the living condition of the people.
Oseni Olusegun, Businessman
In a country, where subsidy has been removed, the masses should not expect less.
It has affected my daily movement as a businessman, due to the long queue at the filling station. Half of the day is spent there and I barely have enough time to carry out my daily activities which is slowly affecting my business.
The government should cut down the salaries and expenses of the House of Representatives, Senators, and other ministers in Aso Rock. Let everyone feel this heat.
The government should allow food from other countries. They should open the border to increase the supply of food in the nation.
Gideon Iroeche, senior citizen
The issue of fuel is something the government should take care of because they know we have poor and unemployed people. We are battling the issue of hardship, graduates are searching for jobs, among many other issues. How will they move out, look for jobs, or what to eat when they cannot pay for transport? They have no choice but to stay at home jobless, which is not good.
The government should please save people and do something about the fuel issue.
Olayinka Ayanbode, Educator
This fuel scarcity is affecting everyone. The price of everything in this country is skyrocketing daily. It’s very frightening. As a teacher, the hike in fuel prices is affecting the transportation movement of teachers, students and even parents.
I’ll advise the government to reduce the fuel price and return fuel subsidy if possible because this issue started with the enforcement of that directive.
Comfort Okenla, Trader
The regular profit I gain from the sales of the food items I sell has been cut off because of the increase in the price of fuel, which is affecting the cost of transportation.
Our leaders should empathise with the masses and put us in mind to find a lasting solution to this issue.
Salaudeen Aderemi, Cleric
The hardship fuel scarcity has caused is unbearable. It is too much. My advice for the government is to rehabilitate our refineries. Food should be transported through the rail way as it was in the olden days. It will reduce the cost of transportation.
Mr Ojo Sunday, Tricyclist
It is stressful for me as a rider. We buy petrol N1,100, sometimes N1,200 per litre. It is also difficult to get passengers because people cannot afford the price. I think the government should help us reduce the fuel price because schools will resume soon and many filling stations are fixing prices as they likely.
Subair Adesope, Commercial driver
I’ve heard about Dangote and his refinery but I don’t see how it’s helping us. The fuel price keeps going up and it’s killing my business. I have to charge more for fares and passengers are fewer. Every day is a struggle just to stay afloat. What’s the point of having this big refinery if fuel is still expensive? We keep hearing about it but nothing seems to have changed. It doesn’t matter how big the refinery is if we’re still paying more for fuel. These big projects don’t seem to help us at the bottom.
Sayo Ajayi, Petrol Attendant
I’m not sure what the Dangote Refinery is supposed to do, but I know that fuel prices are high and customers are angry. We keep hearing that this refinery would help reduce fuel prices, but we haven’t seen any benefits yet. Whether it’s Dangote or the government, something has to change soon. All we want is for fuel prices to come down and for things to get better. Right now, it feels like we’re just stuck.
Kilanko Omolanbe, Block moulder
I use five litres of petrol for the generator I use to operate my block making machine at N950 per litre. That’s almost N5,000 which has affected the price of blocks. The price of nine inches block was N400 each but it’s now N600.
The only advice I can give to the government is to please reduce the price of petrol so that other prices of goods can fall.
Akintayo Pivotal , Brand strategist
Dangote Refinery is supposed to be a thing of joy to us as Nigerians and Africans but the level of deceit and sabotage is killing the essence of that important project. Certain gladiators stood against this bright innovation, giving Nigerians reasons to see the refinery as substandard. We just hope for the best after Dangote’s press briefing. Let’s see if promises will be fulfilled.
Nojeem Olatunbosun, Engineer
Dangote Refinery is a good idea. It will help people in Nigeria. If the fuel is produced, scarcity will be reduced and it will be sold at the normal price. When the product comes out continuously, there will be a change. I believe the Dangote Refinery should help reduce our reliance on imported fuel and create jobs.
Tayo Azeez, Petrol station staff
Everybody sees Dangote Refinery as a positive impact to the development of Nigeria’s economy. Dangote coming on board is seen as progress. It will have a partial value. It will reduce the hardship and scarcity of the PMS product.
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