- The National Association of Seadogs calls for an industry audit to combat corruption in Nigeria’s energy sector.
- Experts emphasise the need for transparent governance to address the country’s escalating energy crisis.
Ahead of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) has urged comprehensive reforms to address the country’s escalating energy crisis. The theme of a citizens’ summit in Abuja, held in collaboration with the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, was “Energy Crisis in a Biting Economy, What Citizens Say.”
Viktor Oscar Ikiriko, Capon of Zuma Deck, emphasised the importance of identifying challenges in the power and oil sectors while proposing practical solutions. He advocated for an industry audit to combat corruption and scams. “The government must engage with its citizens to better understand their needs and rethink policy approaches,” Ikiriko stated, asserting that accountability could lead to legal consequences for those involved in corrupt practices.
In his keynote address, political scientist and peacebuilding expert Ayokunle Fagbemi highlighted the complexity of Nigeria’s energy crisis, attributing it to ineffective governance, a lack of trust in leadership, and an over-reliance on fossil fuels. He called for immediate governmental action to enhance fuel subsidy management transparency and dismantle corrupt practices fueling the crisis. “Citizens seek energy security through a holistic resolution of these challenges,” he explained, emphasising the need to dismantle the fuel subsidy regime and prosecute those responsible for the ongoing energy issues.
Fagbemi urged the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action, warning that citizens are prepared to mobilise for protests if necessary. “We hope to see meaningful responses within the next 72 hours to stabilise the nation,” he asserted.
NAS Captain Joseph Oteri reiterated the organisation’s commitment to advocacy, stressing the importance of addressing energy issues affecting all Nigerians, particularly concerning inconsistent power supply and rising fuel prices. He announced plans to present summit recommendations to high-ranking officials, including the President.
Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Inclusion, highlighted the gender disparity in the energy sector, advocating for greater female inclusion in policymaking to drive progress. She criticised the reliance on foreign refineries despite Nigeria’s natural resource wealth, lamenting that much is lost to theft and mismanagement. “We cannot be close to the river and not have water to take our baths,” she remarked.
Interim National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Yinusa Tanko, pointed out the failures of current energy projects and the extortion citizens face at petrol stations. He called for energy solutions tailored to Nigeria’s geographical strengths, such as harnessing solar power in the northern regions.
The summit was a vital platform for advocating reform in Nigeria’s energy sector. Participants unanimously called for increased accountability, transparency, and inclusive policymaking to tackle the nation’s pressing energy challenges.