The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the federal government to place ban on the importation of diesel, and direct petroleum marketers to purchase refined products from Dangote Refinery for the benefits of Nigerians.

According to the group, ban on the importation of diesel will not only support local production but also conserve foreign exchange and boost the economy.

NANS, in a statement by Akinteye Babatunde, the president of the Senate, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, further urged the government to take decisive action by maximising the benefits of Dangote’s refinery for the betterment of the nation.

He explained that the refinery has the capacity to produce premium motor spirit, diesel and other refined products that cannot only meet Nigeria’s domestic needs, but also serve international markets.

Akinteye said, “We had the privilege of visiting Dangote Refinery, where we were warmly welcomed by the Vice President of the company, Devakumar Edwin.

“We conducted an extensive tour lasting nearly five hours. This tour allowed us to fully appreciate the immense scale and advanced capabilities of this world-class facility. It is equipped with the latest laboratory technology, including cutting-edge equipment that surpasses those found in many other refineries globally.

“The refinery has the capacity to produce PMS, diesel and other refined products that cannot only meet Nigeria’s domestic needs but also serve international markets. Additionally, the refinery produces high-quality fertilizers for farmers, further contributing to the agricultural sector.”

The NANS president said the self-sufficiency in energy production was a testament to the advanced infrastructure and operational excellence of the refinery.

“In the light of these observations, NANS calls on the Federal Government to take decisive action to maximize the benefits of this remarkable facility for the nation.

“Specifically, we demand an immediate ban on the importation of diesel. Given the refinery’s capacity to produce high-quality diesel domestically, this measure will not only support local production but also conserve foreign exchange and boost the economy.

“Furthermore, we urge the government to issue a directive instructing all petroleum marketers to prioritize the purchase of refined products from the Dangote Refinery. This will ensure that the nation’s refined product needs are met locally, fostering economic growth and reducing dependence on foreign imports,” Akinteye urged.