The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to provide female engineers the opportunity to address the issue of the country’s nonfunctional refineries. Atinuke Owolabi, the Chairperson of APWEN, made this request during the organization’s public lecture and annual general meeting in Lagos.
Owolabi highlighted that female engineers in Nigeria possess the skills and capabilities required to rejuvenate the refineries and restore them to full operation within a year. She emphasized the readiness of all female engineers to collaborate and offer solutions to revamp the refineries.
Calling on President Tinubu, Owolabi expressed confidence that female engineers could successfully undertake the task if given the opportunity. She stated, “Within a year, just challenge us, we will make sure that the refineries would be put into operation by the grace of God.”
Owolabi stressed the importance of empowering local engineers and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign experts. She called on leaders, including the president and governors, to provide opportunities for indigenous engineers to showcase their competence.
Chinedu Anyaso, the chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), echoed the sentiment by urging the federal government to prioritize the repair of the existing refineries. He emphasized the need to avoid excessive dependence on the new Dangote refinery and instead focus on revitalizing the existing facilities.
Both Owolabi and Anyaso’s statements highlight the significance of utilizing local expertise to address critical issues within Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly the revival of the country’s refineries.