NANS: Dangote Refinery Needs Protection Against IOCs, NMDPRA Sabotage
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is urging the Federal Government to take immediate action to protect the Dangote Refinery from the threat posed to it by International Oil Companies (IOCs) to its operations.
According to Senator Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, President of the Senate, NANS HQ, it has become imperative that the government ensures the refinery operates without undue interference and that it remains a pillar of Nigeria’s economic development.
NANS stated in a statement, “We are deeply concerned about the recent revelations regarding attempts to sabotage the Dangote Refinery by International Oil Companies (IOCs). This vital national project, spearheaded by Aliko Dangote, represents a significant step towards Nigeria’s economic independence and industrial growth.
“The refinery’s successful operation is crucial for ensuring energy security, creating jobs, and fostering economic stability within our country.
“The Vice President of Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin, has brought to light a disturbing plot by these IOCs to inflate crude prices and create artificial shortages. Such actions are designed to force the Dangote Refinery to import crude from the United States at exorbitant costs, thus threatening the financial viability of this monumental project. This is not merely a case of business rivalry; it is a blatant act of economic sabotage that jeopardizes Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in the oil and gas sector.”
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NANS frowned at the unpatriotic conduct of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing licenses for the importation of banned, substandard diesel and jet fuel.
NANS said, “This reckless decision undermines the efforts of the Dangote Refinery, which can produce high-quality, ECOWAS-compliant diesel. Flooding the market with inferior, high-sulfur fuels not only compromises the integrity of our energy sector but also poses significant risks to public health and the environment.
“As a student body, we recognise the immense contributions of Aliko Dangote and his refinery project to the Nigerian economy. Many young and old Nigerians have benefited from the opportunities and advancements brought about by Dangote’s initiatives. The refinery stands as a beacon of hope and progress, and any attempts to destabilise it are tantamount to an attack on the future of our nation.
NANS urged the federal government to hold accountable those who seek to sabotage the refinery as a crucial national asset and to implement measures that safeguard the refinery’s operations, saying that it is imperative to supply the refinery with crude oil for optimal performance and for maintaining the stability of Nigeria’s energy sector.
The association added, “The Dangote Refinery is not just a private venture; it is a national treasure that holds the promise of a brighter, more prosperous future for all Nigerians. Protecting it against sabotage is a matter of national interest and security. We implore the Federal Government to rise to this challenge and defend the refinery against any threats, ensuring that its benefits continue to uplift the lives of millions of Nigerians.”
