Senator Shehu Sani has called for the decolonization of the Nigerian economy.
In a statement on his verified X handle on Sunday, Sani noted that after 63 years of political independence, it is imperative for Nigerians to explore and refine oil production in the country.
His statement comes on the heels of the exit of several multinational oil companies from Nigeria, such as Shell and Agip, among others.
Chronicle NG reports that Shell is set to conclude nearly a century of operations in Nigerian onshore oil and gas after agreeing to sell its subsidiary there to a consortium of five mostly local companies for up to $2.4 billion.
Responding to the exit of the company, Sani said, “The exit of Shell, Agip, and other oil multinationals from Nigeria is a great opportunity to decolonize our economy and country.
“After 63 years of political independence, it’s time for us to explore and refine our oil.
“Nigeria’s resources should be for the benefit of Nigerians.”
Shell pioneered Nigeria’s oil and gas business beginning in the 1930s.
It has struggled for years with hundreds of onshore oil spills as a result of theft, sabotage, and operational issues that led to costly repairs and high-profile lawsuits.
Since 2021, Shell has sought to sell its Nigerian oil and gas business but will remain active in Nigeria’s more lucrative and less problematic offshore sector.
