In any nation, leadership is not just about holding power or making speeches; it is about demonstrating political will—the ability to take decisive action to enact change, even in the face of opposition, and drive long-term progress. This is a rare and invaluable trait, especially when the stakes are high. President Bola Tinubu, within his less than two years in office, has already shown that such political will is at the heart of his approach to governance, particularly in the oil sector, a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy.
When Tinubu assumed office in May 29, 2023, the state of Nigeria’s oil sector was in a state of stagnation. The country’s refineries, including the Warri and Port Harcourt facilities, had been dormant for years, despite numerous promises and plans from successive governments to restart them.
Over the years, Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined products, such as petrol, led to huge economic drains, in addition to mounting issues with fuel scarcity, smuggling, and price distortions. Successive administrations had been unable to operationalise these critical refineries, despite billions of naira spent on repairs and revamping programs.
However, Tinubu has demonstrated something different—a political will to turn things around. Within a remarkably short period of less than 19 months, the President has made significant strides in operationalising the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. What others could not achieve in eight years, Tinubu has managed to do in less than two years, proving that political will, combined with clear vision and determination, can make a tangible difference.
The reopening of these refineries is not just an administrative victory; it represents a resounding demonstration of purpose-driven leadership. While previous governments made lofty promises and instituted plans that ultimately fell short, Tinubu’s administration has made a significant breakthrough. His ability to navigate the complex web of vested interests, bureaucracy, and challenges in the oil sector speaks volumes about his leadership style. It is a blend of pragmatism, decisive action, and, most importantly, the political will to see things through.
The resumption of operations at the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries has several far-reaching implications. First, it will ease the pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, which have long been strained by the high cost of importing refined products. Second, the increased local production of refined petroleum products will reduce the scourge of fuel scarcity, which has been a recurring nightmare for Nigerians. And third, the revived refineries will bring a significant boost to local employment, technological capacity, and infrastructure, while also creating a sustainable, long-term foundation for Nigeria’s energy needs.
This turnaround in the oil sector reflects President Tinubu’s broader approach to governance, where he has consistently prioritized tangible outcomes over promises. His handling of the oil sector serves as a case study for the kind of leadership Nigeria needs to emerge from its economic challenges. The success of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries stands as proof that leadership, when backed by genuine political will, can bring about the transformational change that a nation so desperately needs.
The message here is clear: leadership is not about making lofty declarations or staying on the sidelines of critical issues. It is about demonstrating the political will to take bold actions and make tough decisions. Under President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s oil sector is a clear example of the difference that can be made when leadership is backed by the political will to turn things around.
In a nation where leadership has often been marked by indecision and inaction, Tinubu’s approach offers hope. The operationalisation of Nigeria’s refineries is not just a win for the oil sector, but a model of what can be achieved when leadership meets political will.
