The Federal Government has been called upon to give individuals the opportunity to own refineries in order to boost oil production in the country.
Mr Godwin Ebolo, Managing Director, Gic Oil and Gas Services, Port Harcourt, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
He said refined products had not been sufficient enough due to lack of competition in the oil and gas sector.
He expressed optimism that products shortage would become a thing of the past if more refineries were built.
“Nigeria needs more refineries to support the existing ones. Although there are new refineries in Ondo and Bayelsa, but they have not been completed.
“Once we have one or two private refineries functioning in different locations, we will no longer suffer products shortage in the country”, he said.
Ebolo commended government’s privatisation programme, citing the enormous development it had brought to bear in the telecommunication sector.
“There should be privatisation in all sectors such as power and other businesses to achieve the much desired growth in the economy.
“I appeal to the Federal, State and Local Governments to encourage privatisation for the betterment of the country,” Ebolo said.