Though Nigeria is not able to adequately meet local demand for fuel, it is currently subsidising the product for Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, according to former Executive Director (Exploration and Production) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Chris Ogiemwonyi.

Speaking to journalists yesterday in Benin shortly after his formal reception into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abudu, Oriomwon Local Council, Edo State, Ogiemwonyi said that those at the helm of affairs at the NNPC lacked the courage to do what was right.

"Since I was in NNPC and even now that I am out of NNPC, I have remained a supporter of deregulation, but it is again the issue of courage because today we are subsidising fuel going to Ghana, to Burkina Faso, to Mali, to Niger. Once we deregulate and let them pay the proper price, it will be unattractive to take our product to Ghana. It is an issue of leadership; people are just afraid to do what is right. What you need is courage, people are too afraid of losing their jobs," he said.

He lamented the scarcity of petroleum products across the country, which he attributed to a lack of courage by those at the helm of affairs to do the right thing.

"When I was there as the number two man in NNPC, products were everywhere in this country, up to April last year; there was fuel everywhere. I think this question should be asked Lukman who became minister and wanted to make NNPC better, you are the better judges between last year and this time, which is better. I tell you one thing; the issue of leadership comes in. If you put round pegs in round holes, the place will move, but if it is opposite... God forbid."

Ogiemwonyi, who said he was into full politics and would serve in some elective capacity in future, attributed the problems confronting the country to leadership.

"I am a proud Nigerian and I believe that our problem today is leadership, up to our homes, up to our schools. The issue that Nigeria has to really deal with is the issue of leadership and I have spoken at different fora on leadership. Leaders should be courageous to do what is right; no fear no favour. Once you have that spirit and you are courageous, you have no problem, but what I see today is that people know what to do, but they are scared, people are so scared of their jobs. But I tell you one thing, the day your job will go, it will go."