HARNESSING THE ADVANTAGES OF LOCAL CRUDE OIL REFINERY TO SOLVE THE FUEL CRISIS IN NIGERIA

The Nigerian refineries have a nameplate capacity of 445,000 barrels per day and are located in three different states around Nigeria: Rivers, Delta, and Kaduna. The daily demand for petroleum products to power various machines in Nigeria is estimated to be 8 million liters. This daily consumption is challenged by frequent price increases and the scarcity of the commodity. The fuel crisis in Nigeria has persisted as a recurrent challenge, impacting various sectors of the economy and the lives of its citizens. The gasoline crisis is characterized by scarcity, long queues at filling stations, and economic disruptions. This crisis stems from a combination of factors spanning from inadequate infrastructure to policy inconsistencies. Nigeria, despite being an oil-producing nation, lacks adequate refining capacity, leading to heavy dependence on fuel imports and susceptibility to fluctuations in global oil prices. Using the method of philosophical analysis, the paper argues that the adoption of local-centric refineries will reduce the cost of production, create job opportunities, and reduce the importation of petroleum products. Furthermore, it will also reduce the negative effects of scarcity and price increases on the economy and the citizens. The local technology for refining petroleum products is practiced by the native inhabitants of Nigeria, and it constitutes a significant part of the country's cultural heritage, but it does not receive much attention in Nigeria due to its environmental impact and the lack of political will to implement indigenous technology. The study concludes that local refineries could help solve the petroleum crisis in Nigeria.