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Renaissance Boss Backs Domestic Refining, Against Crude Exports
It has come to the fore that the continued export of crude oil while refined petroleum products are imported contradicts Nigeria’s local content goals and limits value creation within the country.
This view was shared on Thursday at an online lecture organised by the Nigerian Content Academy of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board on, ‘Finding Funds For Effective & Efficient Local Content Initiatives – IPPG Perspective’, by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy, Tony Attah.
He frowned at the traditional model adopted by international oil companies, noting that crude oil is produced in Nigeria and exported, while the value from refining is created in other countries.
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According to him, the prevailing system reflects the characteristics of an extractive industry, where resources are taken out without building domestic capacity for processing and industrial development.
“But what do we do today with the business model that the IOC has had? They produce and take the crude out. That’s why it’s called an extractive industry. But they take the crude out and create value in their respective countries,” he said.
Attah said the adoption of a similar model by independent oil producers undermines local content policy. Attah explained that the practice of exporting crude for foreign refineries to process is inconsistent with the objectives of Nigerian content development, which seeks to build capacity and encourage in-country value addition.
Attah said there is a transformation as local firms gradually take over the nation’s energy sector. He recalled how Renaissance Africa lowered Shell’s flag to fly its own after the divestment that took place in 2024. He also commended the Dangote refinery, saying the plant has led to the shutdown of various refineries in Europe.
“So, to expect the transformation that I referred to with Nigerian independence taking over, to continue with that model of — ‘produce and take the barrels out for someone else to create value’ — is not consistent with the Nigerian content where we are looking to create capacity and domestication in-country. That is why I feel very proud of Aradel and Waltersmith refineries and, in fact, even more so with the one Dangote has built.
“The Dangote refinery has disrupted the entire world. If you Google it, you will see how many refineries are shut down in Europe just because of one man’s dream, one man’s ambition, which, when you speak to him, he tells you about the belief. But he will tell you that there were several times in the course of pushing that ambition that he doubted himself, but he just had the courage to keep going,” he said.
He noted that local refining offers a more sustainable path for economic growth, as it enables Nigeria to capture greater value from its resources and strengthens domestic industrial capabilities.
Attah also expressed pride in emerging local refining initiatives, which he said demonstrate the benefits of processing crude domestically rather than exporting it in raw form.
Beyond refining, he emphasised the need for a balanced energy mix, stating that while renewable energy is important, it cannot alone meet Africa’s growing energy demand. He noted that global events, including geopolitical conflicts, have exposed the fragility of energy systems and highlighted the continued relevance of fossil fuels in ensuring energy security.
Attah said energy has always been in transition, evolving from manpower to kerosene, crude oil, gas, and now renewables, stressing that Africa must adopt a pragmatic approach that incorporates multiple energy sources.
He warned that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population would significantly increase energy demand, noting that the country’s population is projected to rise from over 200 million to more than 400 million by 2050.
The Renaissance Africa Energy chief also highlighted the gap between Nigeria’s population and power generation, observing that more than 200 million people rely on roughly 5,000 megawatts of electricity. He suggested that distributed energy solutions such as solar panels, batteries and inverters at the household level could help bridge supply gaps over time.
On financing local content initiatives, Attah stressed that investors prioritise governance structure, clarity of business model, and risk management. He explained that financiers typically require equity contributions, strong collateral, and credible project structures before committing funds.
According to him, Africa must also develop its own financing capacity, as reliance on external funding often leaves projects vulnerable during global economic shocks. He pointed to the creation of an African energy financing institution as a step towards addressing funding challenges on the continent.
Attah added that companies seeking investment must demonstrate bankability, cost efficiency, and strong governance to attract capital. He also urged African countries to strengthen intra-continental trade, noting that the continent often does more business with external markets than within itself.
Attah said building domestic refining capacity and strengthening local content initiatives would help Africa retain value, create jobs, and enhance energy security.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as a special favour from Almighty Allah, saying his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is a privilege that must be matched with dedicated service to the country.
Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), during which he was granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
The President expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his Nigerian delegation the rare privilege.
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Speaking after the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing, considering the millions of people in the country.
“I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.
The President also disclosed that he used the opportunity to pray for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” Tinubu said.
Recalling his previous Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, he said he had asked Allah to bless the journey and promised to return to express gratitude.
Tinubu also reflected on the message in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which establishes Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty and authority, with the power to give and take leadership.
He said the message reinforces the need for those entrusted with positions of authority to exercise power responsibly, with humility and in the interest of the people.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, investing in the future of young Nigerians and pursuing development in line with the aspirations of the people.
Tinubu described the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual experience, adding that it reflected the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The Ogun State Police Command has received three major honours at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council’s Golden Jubilee Press Week, with Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni named a Golden Jubilee Ambassador.
The Command received the Shield of Public Safety Award, while its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, was presented with the Vanguard of Public Safety Award.
The recognition formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the NUJ in Ogun State, which coincides with the state’s 50th anniversary.
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According to a statement released on Monday, November 2, 2026, by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi, the awards recognised the Command’s commitment to public safety, proactive policing and effective engagement with the media.
The Golden Jubilee Press Week, held from October 26 to November 1, 2026, was themed, “Truth, Trust and the Press: Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism.”
Ojajuni also participated in a panel session during the celebration, where he urged journalists to uphold truth, professional ethics and patriotism, stressing the importance of responsible journalism to national development and public confidence in public institutions.
While receiving the Shield of Public Safety Award, the police commissioner attributed the Command’s achievements, particularly the impact of Operation KOSAYE, to the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, under the Handshake Patrol initiative.
He explained that the operation was carried out on the directive of the IGP through collaboration between the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, with support from the governors of both states.
According to him, the initiative strengthened security cooperation between the two states and improved coordinated efforts to prevent and combat criminal activities.
Ojajuni was also named among 50 distinguished personalities recognised as Golden Jubilee Ambassadors.
The honour reflects his leadership and previous contributions to policing in Ogun State, where he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department and Squadron Commander of the 16 Police Mobile Force, Abeokuta, before becoming commissioner.
Similarly, Babaseyi received the Vanguard of Public Safety Award in recognition of his contributions to police-public communication, media engagement and public safety advocacy.
The commissioner dedicated the honours to the Inspector-General of Police and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, acknowledging their commitment and sacrifices in protecting lives and property.
The Command also commended the NUJ Ogun State Council, led by its chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, for the recognition and its role in promoting constructive engagement between journalists and security institutions.
It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media, noting that effective policing depends not only on operational deployment but also on public trust, timely information and stakeholder engagement.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on traditional rulers to strengthen their collaboration with the government and security agencies to tackle insecurity and protect farmers, traders and other residents across the state.
Radda made the appeal during a meeting with the District Head of Bakori, Alhaji Garba Tukur Idris, Makaman Katsina, and other traditional leaders in Bakori Local Government Area.
The engagement, which formed part of activities of the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 Campaign Council, was disclosed in a statement issued on November 1, 2026, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
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The governor said traditional institutions remained essential to efforts to achieve lasting security and development, particularly because of their influence and close relationship with local communities.
“Government cannot achieve sustainable security and grassroots development without the active cooperation of traditional rulers, community elders and other local stakeholders,” Radda said.
He urged traditional leaders to work more closely with security agencies and other community stakeholders to address security threats and strengthen peace across their respective communities.
“Your role in maintaining peace and order in our communities is very important. We need your cooperation to address security challenges and advance development at the grassroots,” he added.
Radda also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening security operations and ensuring farmers could access their farmlands while traders conducted their businesses without fear.
He called for a coordinated approach involving traditional rulers, security agencies, political leaders, youths and women, stressing the importance of collective action in tackling insecurity and creating economic opportunities.
In his response, the District Head of Bakori, Garba Tukur Idris, welcomed the governor and his delegation, commending the engagement and the relationship between the government and traditional institutions.
Idris identified agriculture, trading and commerce as the major economic activities in Bakori, while highlighting the area’s skilled and unskilled labour force, dams and boreholes as resources that could support increased agricultural productivity and attract investment.
He also commended the cooperation among traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies and residents in maintaining peace, urging stakeholders to sustain the collaboration to protect their communities.
The Chairman of Bakori Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Barde, said the delegation was also in the area to seek the blessings and support of traditional rulers and community stakeholders for the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 campaign.
The delegation included Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal; Campaign Director-General, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Campaign Council Co-Chairman, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; Deputy Director-General, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; and Secretary-General, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, among others.
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