“Nigeria Now the Largest Exporter of Refined Products in West Africa” – Reno Omokri

• Reno Omokri has hailed Nigeria’s decline from being Africa’s top petrol importer as a sign of economic progress, crediting increased local refining and exports.
• Speaking during a visit to the Dangote Refinery, he said the shift shows a “360-degree turnaround,” with Nigeria now the largest exporter of refined petroleum products in West Africa.
• Omokri stressed that the value of the naira depends on production and exports, not imports, urging the government and labour unions to focus on productivity rather than wage hikes.

Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has described Nigeria’s decline from being Africa’s top petrol importer as a positive economic development, reflecting growth in local production and exports.

Speaking on Friday during a tour of the Dangote Refinery, Omokri noted that South Africa has now overtaken Nigeria as the continent’s leading petrol importer, while Nigeria has become the largest exporter of refined products in West Africa.

“What’s more important as a Nigerian is the value of the money that you have,” Omokri said. “The naira will only have value when we produce and export, not when we depend on imports. If we don’t replace imports with locally produced goods and services, our currency will keep losing strength.”

He said the shift marks a “360 degree turnaround,” adding,

“Nigeria is now the largest exporter of petroleum products in West Africa.”

Omokri stressed that true prosperity lies in the purchasing power of income earned through productivity.

“It’s better for Nigerians to earn ten thousand naira that has real value, that can buy goods, services, pay rent, or even buy vehicles and homes, than to earn a million naira not tied to production,” he added.

He urged both the government and labour unions to prioritize productivity over wage demands.

“So think about it, whether you’re an ordinary citizen, part of the government, or a labour union, it’s far better for Nigerians to earn ten thousand naira that holds real value, that can buy goods, pay rent, or even afford a home, than to earn a million naira that isn’t backed by production.”