Ziggy Ojiegbe

Civil society organisations and labour unions have urged the Federal Government to urgently restructure Nigeria’s downstream oil sector, warning that rising energy costs are worsening hardship and undermining economic productivity.

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The call was made at the end of a roundtable on the rising cost of energy in Nigeria, convened by Equity International and CYPA Africa in partnership with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. The meeting, held in Jos, brought together stakeholders from civil society and organised labour to assess the impact of soaring fuel prices on citizens and businesses.

Reading the communiqué issued at the end of the session, Chief Convener Chris Iyama said participants agreed that the country’s energy crisis is placing severe pressure on livelihoods, small enterprises and overall national productivity.

The groups put forward 12 key recommendations, including a strong call for greater transparency and accountability across the petroleum value chain. They urged the government to ensure openness in crude oil allocation, pricing mechanisms, subsidy-related arrangements and regulatory oversight.

They also called for immediate measures to cushion the effects of rising fuel prices on workers, transport operators and small businesses, noting that the current situation has significantly increased the cost of living.

The communiqué stressed the need for deliberate investment in public transportation as part of broader efforts to stabilise the economy and provide social protection for vulnerable groups.

Participants further urged the government to strengthen domestic refining capacity by reviving existing refineries, encouraging the development of modular refineries and supporting sustainable local refining initiatives. They recommended that licences of non-performing refinery operators be reviewed, while credible investors willing to refine locally should be supported through transparent and competitive processes.

The groups also called for strategic crude supply arrangements to domestic refineries to improve affordability, ensure stable local supply and enhance long-term energy security.

In addition, they advocated the reactivation of the depot system for the efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country.

The communiqué emphasised that Nigeria’s energy challenges go beyond economics, describing the crisis as one rooted in governance and social justice. It called for coordinated national action and long-term energy policies that prioritise national interest, economic resilience, local production and the welfare of citizens.