The Southern Nigeria People’s Mandate (SNPM) has urged the Federal Government to draw a line under the export of raw crude oil and instead commit fully to refining petroleum locally before selling it abroad.

Chief Augustine Chukwudum, who leads the group, made the appeal in Enugu, arguing that Nigeria’s continued reliance on exporting unprocessed crude is a major factor holding back national progress. He described the current practice as “economic short-sightedness” that leaves the country dependent and underdeveloped.

According to him, countries with strong oil economies, like those in the Middle East add value to their resources through refining before exporting, resulting in more revenue, jobs, and industrial growth. He challenged the government to adopt a similar model if it truly wants to advance Nigeria’s economy.

Chukwudum questioned why, despite having major facilities like the Dangote Refinery and others across the country, Nigeria’s local refineries still struggle to access crude oil. He hinted that powerful private interests may be undermining domestic refining for selfish reasons.

He warned that without a clear policy shift, Nigeria will continue to export economic value and opportunity, while everyday citizens face worsening poverty. “We are essentially shipping out our future while other oil-rich nations are building theirs,” he said.

While he welcomed investigations into crude oil revenues, Chukwudum said the conversation must now move beyond probes to meaningful reforms that ensure Nigeria processes its own resources and benefits directly from them.

He concluded by calling on the government to establish a firm timeline to end crude oil exports and commit to selling only refined petroleum products globally, a step he believes would transform Nigeria’s economy and secure its future.