Felix Osakwe says Conspiracy in Oil Sector Has Led to Hardship in Nigeria

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• Felix Osakwe, former presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), claims a conspiracy in Nigeria’s petroleum sector is causing economic hardship.
• He questioned why Nigerian presidents often serve as Ministers of Petroleum Resources, suggesting a lack of transparency in the sector.
• Osakwe also criticised the CEO of NMDPRA for alleging substandard petroleum products from the Dangote refinery, calling for more accountability.

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Conspiracy in the oil sector has led to Hardship in Nigeria, Says Ex-Presidential Candidate Felix Osakwe

Felix Osakwe, the 2023 presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), has alleged that a conspiracy in Nigeria’s petroleum sector is contributing to the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. Speaking with reporters over the weekend in Abuja, Osakwe criticised the federal government’s handling of the sector and expressed concern over the lack of empathy towards the struggles of the population.

He questioned why Nigerian presidents often take on the role of Minister of Petroleum Resources, suggesting that there are many qualified individuals who could manage the position. Osakwe said, “Out of 200 million Nigerians, the president did not trust anyone to occupy the position of minister of petroleum? There is something Nigerians do not know. There is a lot of conspiracy going on in that place, which has led to our suffering.”

Osakwe also criticised the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, for alleging that petroleum products from the Dangote refinery were substandard, saying the official should have been reprimanded for making such statements.

The ex-presidential candidate’s comments reflect growing discontent with the government’s approach to managing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which many believe is key to the country’s economic stability.