By The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has called on the Federal Government to adopt a sweeping decentralized refining model, insisting that petrol could sell for as low as ₦100 per litre if Nigeria fully harnesses its crude oil resources. The group made the proposal in a strongly worded open letter dated April 26, 2026, addressed to the President, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and key stakeholders across the country.
In the letter signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, the forum expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening cost-of-living crisis, linking it largely to rising energy costs following the removal of fuel subsidy. The group described the current situation as one of the darkest periods in the nation’s history, urging both leaders and citizens to rethink existing economic approaches.
“We are today faced with a horrible cost-of-living crisis, occasioned partly by the rising cost of energy,” the letter stated.
The FWF proposed that each state government, and possibly local governments, should be empowered to establish and operate crude oil refineries. According to the group, such decentralisation would unlock economic benefits including electricity generation, fertiliser production, industrial growth, and large-scale job creation.
Explaining the framework, the forum noted that Nigeria’s daily crude oil production of over 1.4 million barrels presents an opportunity for local refining, which would significantly reduce reliance on imported petroleum products and ease pressure on foreign exchange.
“Local refining means naira-for-naira trade, easing exchange rate pressure and pump prices,” the statement added.
The group further argued that allowing multiple refining operators across states would introduce competition and prevent monopolies in the downstream sector. It also highlighted the potential for enhanced energy security, noting that disruptions in one region would not cripple supply nationwide.
FWF proposed a federal intervention fund of at least ₦200 billion per state to establish refineries, amounting to about ₦7.2 trillion nationwide. It maintained that such an investment is feasible within Nigeria’s budgetary framework and would yield better long-term returns than existing fiscal allocations.
“Crude is ours. Supply crude to state refineries at a moderate price and ₦100 per litre is realistic. It is economics, not magic,” the forum stated.
The letter also emphasized the broader socio-economic impact of cheaper fuel, predicting reductions in transport and food costs, improved productivity for small businesses, and a general decline in inflation. It argued that widespread employment opportunities from the initiative could also help curb insecurity across the country.
While acknowledging global concerns about fossil fuels and the shift toward renewable energy, the forum insisted that Nigeria must first maximise its existing resources through scientific innovation and strategic planning.
