NAS calls for reforms, sustainable solutions over energy crisis in Nigeria

Ahead of the Nigeria's 64th Independence Anniversary, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), has called for reforms and sustainable solutions over the escalating energy crisis and its widespread implications on citizens.

In its citizens summit in collaboration with Centre for Transparency Advocacy with the theme: 'Energy Crisis in a Biting Economy, What citizens Say' on Saturday in Abuja.

The Capon of Zuma Deck, Viktor Oscar Ikiriko said the idea behind the summit was to unravel challenges in the power and oil industry and provide adequate solutions.

He said one of the ways to curb scam and corruption in the industry was to do an audit.

The Deck Capon stressed the need for the government to listen to its citizens as a feedback mechanism and rethink its policy ideas.

According to him, "One of the ways we can actually curb scam and corruption in the industry is to do an industry audit. Now, we cannot do that as an association. 

"However, we can continue to advocate for that to be done until the government hears our voices and does the right thing at the right time with the right people in the right places.

"Now, when that is done, the scammers who are on the street today would all find themselves in jail. If you're involved in government, you must listen to the people you govern, because that is a feedback mechanism. 

"And rather than see that as an affront, the government should see that as a way of communicating with the Nigerian people and then rethink their policy ideas."

In his keynote address, Political Scientist and Peace Building Practitioner, Ayokunle Fagbemi emphasized on the multifaceted nature of Nigeria's energy crisis faced by citizens.

He highlighted critical issues such as ineffective governance, lack of trust in leadership, and an over-reliance on fossil fuels, which together contribute to widespread energy insecurity.

He called for immediate government action to address these challenges, demanding transparency in the management of fuel subsidies and the dismantling of corrupt practices that perpetuate the crisis. 

He said: "My understanding of the major thrust of what citizens say is very emphatic, they want to achieve energy security by a holistic resolution of attendant challenges:.

"Citizens are committed to and desirous of facilitating the demystification of fuel subsidy regime and the dismantling and exposure of the cabal responsible for sustained energy crisis in Nigeria for apprehension and prosecution.

"Citizens are hopeful that Nigeria can attain optimal levels of energy availability, accessibility and affordability,  Citizens are convinced that the crime and criminalities entrenched in the petroleum and electricity sub sectors of the energy system in Nigeria must be unraveled, culprits transparently prosecuted and appropriately sanctioned.

"Citizens affirm that the anti corruption crusade must visit the energy sector if we are to achieve energy security, Citizens believe that to achieve a meaningful energy availability threshold PBAT must provide leadership required to combat the corruption bedeviling the energy sector.

"Citizens feel that the energy crisis is continuously being propelled by the anti-citizens, pro-elite and anti-development governance frameworks based on a problematic 1999 Constitution, extant legislations and skewed policy frameworks or regulations.

"In lieu of sustainability, citizens are convinced that the FGN under PBAT must provide required leadership for the Nigerian-state to achieve strategic petroleum reserves for petroleum crude and premium motor spirit. 

"We are hoping that agents of the Nigerian-state and the media here present shall help us to project our deliberations and resolutions to secure the required attention of stakeholders, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to achieve prompt and meaningful early responses.

"Today is Saturday, 28th day of September 2024 so the incumbent APC-led FGN has some seventy-two hours to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate mediating and mitigating directives, proclamations and policy modulations and emphatically to make the necessary adjustments to his speech for Nigeria's 64th Independence Anniversary and to avert the looming #EndBadGovernance 2. tagged 'Fearless in October Protest' as logical responsiveness to stabilize the Nigerian-state." he said


NAS Captain, Joseph Oteri, underscored the advocacy role of the organization, stating, “We keep talking until those who need to hear us do.” 

He emphasized the critical nature of addressing energy issues that affect all Nigerians, particularly the challenges posed by inconsistent power supply and soaring fuel prices. 

Oteri revealed plans to present key recommendations from the summit to high-ranking officials, including the President, in hopes of fostering positive change.

In her remarks, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Inclusion, Faith Nwadishi, drew attention to the gender imbalance in the energy sector. She argued for greater inclusion of women in policymaking, stating, “We are ready now,” and emphasizing the negative impact of their exclusion on progress.

Nwadishi also discussed Nigeria's rich natural resources, lamenting that despite the country's significant oil production, much is lost to theft and mismanagement. 

“We cannot be close to the river and not have water to take our baths,” she stated, criticizing the reliance on foreign refineries when local capacity remains untapped.

Adding to the discourse,Interim National Coordinator Obidient Movement, Yinusa Tanko, highlighted the failures of existing energy projects and the extortion citizens face at petrol stations. 

He called for tailored energy solutions that utilize Nigeria’s unique geographical advantages, such as solar power in the northern regions.

The summit served as a crucial platform for advocating reform in Nigeria's energy sector. Participants unanimously called for enhanced accountability, transparency, and inclusive policymaking to address the pressing energy challenges facing the nation.