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  • Dangote Refinery accuses PENGASSAN of economic sabotage

    Dangote Refinery accuses PENGASSAN of economic sabotage

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of attempting to sabotage the country’s energy supply chain following a directive by the union to its branches to cut off crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery.

    In a statement on Saturday, the company described the directive as “a brazen display of lawlessness and criminality,” warning that the move could plunge Nigeria back into widespread fuel scarcity and disrupt the availability of key petroleum products, including petrol, aviation fuel, kerosene, diesel, and cooking gas.

    According to Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN on 26 September instructed its members in various multinational oil companies and subsidiaries including TotalEnergies, Seplat, Renaissance, Chevron, Oando, Shell Nigeria Gas, and NGIC to halt crude oil loading operations and cut off gas supply to the facility “with immediate effect.”

    The refinery stressed that the union has no legal authority to interfere with contracts signed between the refinery and its suppliers, insisting that such interference amounts to “economic sabotage” against both the company and the Nigerian state.

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    “This is a brazen, albeit shocking display of lawlessness and criminality by PENGASSAN. Absolutely no law gives PENGASSAN the right to direct its branches to “cut off” gas and crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery or at all. There is also no law in our statute books that would support or enable the PENGASSAN branches having to “cut off” gas and crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery or at all,” the statement reads.

    “Besides, it constitutes a criminal conduct for PENGASSAN or its members to disrupt and/or interfere howsoever in the contract between Dangote Refinery and its various vendors for the supply of gas and crude oil to the Refinery. Those supply contracts were not entered into with PENGASSAN; they were entered into by Dangote Refinery with third party vendors and suppliers and PENGASSAN has no right whatsoever to disrupt and/or interfere with the performance of those contracts”.

    It noted that PENGASSAN needs to be reminded that Nigeria is governed by laws.

    “Our laws do not brook self-help and mob action that could introduce mayhem and chaos and easily translate into anarchy,” it added.

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery, world’s largest single-train refinery and one of Nigeria’s highest taxpayers, argued that the directive undermines investor confidence and threatens revenues accruing to federal and state governments. The company also described the refinery as a strategic national asset that should be safeguarded rather than targeted.

    “We are, by this write-up, drawing the attention of the Federal Government and its security and law enforcement agencies – as well as all other levels of governments in Nigeria – to this criminal, lawless, reckless and irresponsible conduct of PENGASSAN and calling on them – the Federal Government and its agencies, in particular – to call the Association to order. PENGASSAN has no right to introduce anarchy and mayhem into our society. The Association is not above the law, and it must not be allowed to believe that it is or behave as if it is,” it said

    The statement further criticised the union for what it called “a contradictory stance,” noting that while PENGASSAN had earlier pledged to pursue legal action against the refinery, it “abandoned the path of lawfulness and embraced mob action.”

    The refinery noted that apart from the lawlessness and criminality inherent in the PENGASSAN’s instruction to its branches, the Association’s directive amounts to economic sabotage at multiple levels.

    “In plain language, PENGASSAN has directed its branches to disrupt and stop the supply of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery to Nigerians. The products that would be disrupted and stopped include but are not limited to aviation fuel, petrol, kerosene, diesel and cooking gas – all products that are used and required by all stripes of Nigerians and persons living in Nigeria, whether high and mighty or lowly and ordinary.

    “In what circumstance would it be justified for PENGASSAN to so disrupt and introduce insufferable hardship into the living conditions of Nigerians? None that we can see. The follow up question is, in whose interest and on whose behalf is PENGASSAN directing and intending to inflict such anarchic and criminal disruption upon the Nigerian society and persons living in Nigeria? Most certainly, not in the interest of the Nigerian State and/or the Nigerian public and citizens,” it added.

    It stressed that it is also economic sabotage against the Nigerian State at multiple levels as the Dangote Refinery is the only refinery of its type in Africa and ordinarily should be the pride of all Nigerians as well as the governments of Nigeria.

    “It should ordinarily have special protection and status and indeed qualifies as a strategic national asset. An irreparable injury to the Dangote Refinery such as PENGASSAN has directed constitutes a national embarrassment to all of us. The directive is a disincentive to external investors who ordinarily would have been encouraged by the success of Dangote Refinery to contemplate investing in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector or generally. PENGASSAN may also not be aware that Dangote Refinery is one of the largest contributors to the revenue purse of the Nigerian governments – both Federal and sub-nationals. That contribution is currently threatened by PENGASSAN and would of course be paused if and as soon as and for as long as the PENGASSAN directive is implemented by its branches,” it added.

    Calling on the federal government and security agencies to intervene, the company urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to disrupt refinery operations, warning that compliance with the directive would cause “irreparable hardship” for households and businesses nationwide.

    “We are also calling on all Nigerians to take note of the unquantifiable and irredeemable hardship which PENGASSAN wishes to inflict on all of us. There is no Nigerian household that does not use or need the petroleum products which PENGASSAN has now directed its branches, by fiat, to withdraw from the Nigerian market – again, we list some of them: petrol, cooking gas, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. The production and supply of these products by Dangote Refinery would cease if the PENGASSAN cabal is allowed or permitted to enforce its lawless and criminal “directive”. The Association must not be allowed to ride roughshod on Nigerians. The repercussions from the PENGASSAN directive would affect and inflict harm on all Nigerians This is therefore a fight for all Nigerians,” the statement added.

  • Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

    Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

    A group,  known as Stand-Up South South Security Group, has warned those who may be  plotting to sabotage the Dangote Refinery.

    The group stated that an attack on Dangote Refinery is an attack to destroy nation. adding that people must reject the temptation to be used as tools to sabotage Dangote Refinery.

    In a statement on Saturday by its National Secretary, Comrade Endurance Ukutegbere, it also advised the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to stop attacking  Dangote Refinery over the sack of some workers.

    “ PENGASSAN must understand that an employee cannot educate his employer on how the  employer will run his company”

    “Our attention has been drawn to the press release issued on Friday 26th September, 2025, by the General Secretary of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria PENGASSAN, against Dangote Refinery”

    “PENGASSAN in its press release , titled, “ Condemnation of Anti-Labour Practices by Dangote Refinery and Ultimatum to reinstate Nigerian Workers”, made unpleasant comments against Dangote Refinery”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Dangote Refinery suspends petrol sales in Naira

    According the group: “ Nigerians are still celebrating the building of Dangote Refinery in Lagos state, Nigeria. And this is why every right thinking and patriotic Nigerians must resist any sinister plot to frustrate the operations of Dangote Refinery”

    “ PENGASSAN must realise or accept the fact that Dangote Refinery is a private organization, and an investment worth over $20Billions. The Management of Dangote Refinery, have the power to hire and fire”

    It added:  “ Dangote Refinery has come to stay. The Management of Dangote Refinery are also at liberty to hire qualified persons from across the  world to work with the Refinery here in Nigeria. We also have Nigerians hired and working abroad”

    The group advised PENGASSAN to leave Dangote Refinery alone and channel their energy to the Federal Government to revive the govt owned Refineries, where workers are earning salary monthly without working.

    “It is expected that after investing over $20Billion to build the Dangote Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote will restructure the workforce of the company to ensure optimum performance and efficient delivery”

    “And whenever restructuring of workforce occurs in an organization as big as Dangote Refinery, some workers will be sacked, some retained and new persons will be employed to form a new team to achieve the company’s vision, set aims and objectives”

    “Dangote Refinery has done the expected for business sustainability. The company’s decision should be respected, particularly by PENGASSAN. Certainly, it is not the end of life for the workers dropped by Dangote Refinery, they can still search for jobs somewhere else”

    Further, the group stated: “ PENGASSAN should not use this to fight unnecessary fight with Dangote Refinery, more Nigerians are still working and benefiting from the Dangote Refinery. 

    “We advise PENGASSAN to thread with caution, and withdraw it’s attack on Dangote Refinery because of the workers sacked. More Nigerians would still be employed into the company.”

  • JUST IN: Dangote Refinery suspends petrol sales in Naira

    JUST IN: Dangote Refinery suspends petrol sales in Naira

    The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has suspended the sale of petrol in naira, a move that has unsettled fuel marketers and heightened concerns over possible pressure on pump prices and the foreign exchange market.

    In an email sent to customers at 6:42 pm on Friday, the refinery announced that the suspension will take effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025. The decision, it explained, was triggered by the depletion of its crude-for-naira allocation.

    The statement, by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and titled “Suspension of DPRP PMS Naira Sales – Effective 28th September 2025”, advised customers with pending naira-based transactions to request refunds.

    Read Also: Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers

    It reads in part: “We write to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been selling petroleum products in excess of our Naira-Crude allocations and, consequently, we are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.

    “Kindly note that this suspension of Naira sales for PMS will be effective from Sunday, 28th of September, 2025. We will provide further updates regarding the resumption of supply once the situation has been resolved.

    “All customers with PMS transactions in Naira who would like a refund of their current payments should formally request the processing of their refund.”

    This is not the first time the refinery has halted naira transactions. In March 2025, it briefly suspended sales of refined products in the local currency, also citing inadequate crude-for-naira allocations. That earlier decision triggered concerns about the dollarisation of fuel sales and pushed petrol pump prices to nearly ₦1,000 per litre.

  • Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers

    Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers

    • Company says action necessary to safeguard facility
    • Union kicks, warns of consequences
    • Reps committee opens investigation into NNPC Ltd/OVH Energy acquisition

    The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals on Thursday laid off about 800 workers in its employment.

    Although the refinery’s management explained that the exercise is part of a major reorganisation to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency, organised labour said the action is the climax of a lingering face-off with the firm over labour related issues bordering on unionization of workers.

    A memo signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management at Dangote Group, Femi Adekunle, a copy of which was sighted by The Nation, confirmed the disengagement of the workers yesterday.

    The total reorganisation of the refinery, Adekunle said, followed multiple cases of reported sabotage across refinery units that posed major safety risks.

    According to the contents of the memo, the management was left with no choice but to carry out a total reorganisation of the refinery, effective Thursday, September 25, 2025.

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    The employees were told to give all company property to their line managers and obtain an exit clearance, with the specific date for the process to be communicated later.

    “The Finance Department, by a copy of this letter, is advised to compute all your benefits and entitlements in line with your terms of employment and conditions of service and pay the amount due to you (less all indebtedness), subject to the condition that you have obtained the exit clearance certificate as mentioned above,” Adekunle stated in the memo.

    Late yesterday, following the outrage from labour unions, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, in response, explained that it is not an arbitrary exercise but one necessary to safeguard the $20 billion facility.

    It said over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in the Refinery at present, and only a very small number of staff were affected. The firm also assured that it would continue to recruit Nigerian talent through its various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process.

    “This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.

    “The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as a result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns.

    “We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset.

    “It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it.

    “We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union.

    “Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering.

    “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs.

    “We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability,” a statement from Dangote said.

    But the organised labour, through the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), expressed outrage over the development, calling it “anti-labour practices.”

    In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba lghotefmu Okugbawa, the union regretted the development, urging the management of the Dangote Refinery to recall all terminated Nigerian workers.

    It also warned that the union might be left with no other option but to commence exploring all sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the relevant labour laws for solution.

     “We are deeply saddened to report the unjust termination of over 800 Nigerian workers, whose dedication and service have been integral to the operations of this plant.

    “Instead of valuing and retaining this workforce, Management has chosen to replace these qualified Nigerians with over 2,000 Indian workers, many of whom lack valid immigration documentation,” PENGASSAN stated.

    It noted that Section 7 of the Labour Act prohibits discrimination and ensures the right to fair treatment in the workplace; a section it said Dangote Refinery are glaringly in violation of.

    PENGASSAN further noted that the dismissal of such a significant number of Nigerian workers without due consultation or any transparent justification contravenes the legal rights granted to all employees in Nigeria.

    “We will not tolerate this blatant disregard for the rights of Nigerian workers, particularly in light of the existing provisions under the Trade Union Act, which enshrines the right of workers to organise and join trade unions.

    “The recent organisation of these workers as members of PENGASSAN underscores their collective power and right to protection under the law.

    “We emphasise that such actions illustrate a troubling trend towards the marginalisation of Nigerian workers in favour of foreign labour, which we cannot, and will not, tolerate.

    “The sacrifice and talents of our workforce deserve respect and we demand accountability from employers who possess a social responsibility to the communities they operate in.

    “Furthermore, we would be remiss to overlook the broader implications of Dangote Group’s capitalistic pursuits beyond the confines of the refinery sector.

    “Instances of exploitative practices have been reported in various sectors where the company maintains significant business interests.

    “The relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of local talent, ethical employment practices, and community welfare is unacceptable.

    “We stand resolute in our commitment to uphold the rights of Nigerian workers and will take all necessary legal actions open to us as an Association to ensure that they are afforded the dignity and respect they deserve.

    “We have scheduled an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to direct the Association on the way forward.

    “We call on all Nigerians therefore to support this cause and to stand against the exploitation of our workforce by capitalists who seek to undermine our national priorities for their profit.

    “This slave labour of our brothers and sisters must not stand,” PENGASSAN said in its statement.

    But the management of Dangote refinery has swiftly debunked the allegation of mass sacking of its staff because of joining the Association.

    The refinery described the allegation as both unfounded and misleading, noting that the re-organisation within its workforce was aimed at strengthening operations and addressing repeated acts of sabotage.

    Reassuring employees and stakeholders, the refinery reaffirmed its commitment to internationally accepted labour principles, including workers’ freedom to decide on union membership without interference.

    It emphasised that the exercise was an audit process to safeguard the long-term stability of what it described as a strategic national asset.

  • CSOs urge DAPPMAN to drop threats against Dangote Refinery

    CSOs urge DAPPMAN to drop threats against Dangote Refinery

    A coalition of civil society organisations on Monday called on the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to withdraw what they described as “threats” against the Dangote Refinery.

    In a joint statement, Olayinka Dada of the Food Not Bombs Movement, Olamide Odumosu of the Patriotic Youth Movement of Nigeria, and Olajide Wolimoh of the Synergy Centre for Aspiring Leaders and Entrepreneurs, warned that such disputes could destabilize the downstream oil and gas sector.

    The groups alleged that DAPPMAN was pushing for a subsidy framework that could amount to ₦1.5 trillion annually, which they argued would place additional financial pressure on Nigerians. They further claimed the proposal would translate to an extra ₦75 per litre in costs tied to transporting products from the refinery to depots.

    Read Also: CSOs laud Dangote refinery for lowering price of petrol

    According to them, such a move would “preserve a model built on fuel imports and outdated structures,” potentially undermining ongoing reforms in the oil and gas industry.

    The CSOs also alleged that between June and September 2025, while Dangote Refinery exported over 3.2 million metric tonnes of refined products, marketers represented by DAPPMAN imported about 3.6 million metric tonnes over the same period — a development they described as harmful to energy independence.

    They praised the Dangote Refinery for what they said were contributions to price stability, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation, noting reductions in pump prices for diesel and petrol since the refinery began operations.

    “We call on DAPPMAN to withdraw its demands and threats, and align with reforms that prioritise Nigerians’ welfare,” the statement read in part.

    The coalition urged the management of the Dangote Refinery to “stand firm” and continue operating transparently in the interest of consumers.

  • CSOs laud Dangote refinery for lowering price of petrol

    CSOs laud Dangote refinery for lowering price of petrol

    Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have commended Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company for lowering the price of premium motor spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

    They said that the $20 billion investment is a world-class refinery that has greatly impacted the downstream oil sector, ending decade-long dependence on imported refined petroleum products, placing Nigeria on the map of oil exporters, reducing cost, and stabilising forex.

    Addressing a press conference in Abuja over the weekend by a coalition of CSOs and anchored by the duo of Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince of Employment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) and Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, Guardians of Democracy and Development Initiative (GoDDI), the coalition praised Dangote for ending Nigeria’s “moments of embarrassment and decried the incessant attacks on the oil giant.”

    The CSOs said, “We are grateful to Dangote for this breath of fresh air. During the inglorious period of petroleum products importation, criminal subsidy regime, sundry oil racketeering, and creation of product scarcity, both citizens and government suffered at the hands of groups like Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and some of their agents, such as Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

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    “These petroleum products importers who became overnight billionaires for producing nothing never cared about the future, either of their business survival or the country.  Being accustomed to free cash and economic manipulation, they had only hoped to frustrate any attempt at making Nigeria a petroleum refining country so that the Nigerian downstream sector would continue to groan under them.

    “It was for this reason that the eventual take-off of the Dangote Refineries met with stiff opposition, prompting the decisive intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose backing ensured that the plot to frustrate the refinery did not succeed. Any attempt to reverse the gains already being recorded will be resisted by our organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians.

    “So far, the only argument that DAPPMAN hopes that gullible Nigerians could buy is to create a nonexistent fear about Dangote Refineries trying to become a monopoly. That is not true because that same monopoly is crashing petroleum prices, creating thousands of jobs, helping our balance of trade and payments, and putting good money in the nation’s coffers. That must be a progressive monopoly.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, following the removal of oil subsidy in May 2023, product prices peaked at N1,700 for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and N1,020 for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at some point. But today, AGO is as low as N1,030 and PMS, N855. This is due to Dangote Refineries’ continuous intervention in lowering prices in the interest of local consumers. 

    “Nigerians have also not forgotten that this same DAPPMAN claimed that they can compete with Dangote Refineries through importation. We dare ask: what has changed that they are complaining about ‘unfair price crashes’ from Dangote Refineries?  Nigerians need every price crash. We have suffered enough at the hands of cartels.”

    They added, “We must warn! Dangote Refineries is a private business. It should be allowed to run unhindered. DAPPMAN or any other group or persons are encouraged to build their own refineries, continue importation of products, or negotiate in a civilised manner with the management of Dangote Refineries, rather than the subterfuge sabotage of a refinery, which is a national pride.  They should not stir the anger of Nigerians.

  • Ndume urges caution in Dangote Refinery dispute with oil workers, marketers

    Ndume urges caution in Dangote Refinery dispute with oil workers, marketers

    Amid tensions in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has appealed for caution in the ongoing dispute involving Dangote Refinery, oil workers, and marketers.

    The Borno South Senator was reacting to a face-off between the refinery’s management and two major groups, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

    NUPENG had recently embarked on an industrial action, accusing Dangote Refinery of refusing to allow its truck drivers to unionize as required by the Trade Union Act. 

    At the same time, DAPPMAN alleged that the refinery was undermining local marketers by selling products at cheaper rates to international traders than to Nigerian buyers.

    Although the Department of State Services (DSS) has since brokered peace between the refinery and oil workers, Ndume expressed worry over what he described as “a poisonous media narrative to paint Dangote in a bad light before Nigerians and the international community.”

    He recalled that while previous administrations encouraged private operators to establish refineries, most license holders merely exploited the benefits without making real investments—unlike Dangote, who took deliberate steps to build one.

    Ndume said, “Before Dangote took the risk to build his refinery, previous administrations had granted licenses to many Nigerians. What did they do with it? Some of them only cashed out on the incentives of crude oil allocation.

    “If my memory serves me right, licenses were granted to 12 private operators as far back as 2002 to build refineries and reduce dependence on imported fuel.

    “The second round of licensing was done in 2007  by the then Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)  after revoking the first batch, and granted nine new licenses to private investors.

    “Those parading themselves as fuel importers today didn’t seize the initiative to come together to build refineries.

    “Again, during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, licenses were granted to private investors to build modular refineries.

    “How many of them actually scratched the surface, but they are ganging up to falsely accuse Dangote of monopolising the market.”

    The ex-Chief Whip of the 10th Senate decried the animosity against the Dangote Refinery and maintained that the Federal Government, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, has done everything possible to promote deregulation of the oil industry and encourage healthy competition.

    “It is wrong to talk about monopoly in a deregulated industry. There are no deliberate bottlenecks against anyone, and no player has been accorded special concessions to the detriment of others.”

    He specifically called on the regulatory agency in the industry, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to take more than a passing interest in the feud among the players, to avoid detrimental antics that could disrupt effective petroleum products distribution.

    He said, “I urge NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and all concerned stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue with Dangote rather than inciting division and undue sensationalism in the media.

    “Our common goal should be to balance labour rights with the imperatives of national development and not put ordinary citizens at the receiving end of a needless power tussle.”

  • Dangote Refinery creates 24,000 jobs with 1,000 trucks roll out

    Dangote Refinery creates 24,000 jobs with 1,000 trucks roll out

    The 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks rolled out yesterday by Dangote Petroleum Refinery will create 24,000 jobs,  President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said yesterday.

    Dangote spoke in Lagos at a conference organised to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd)-capacity refinery.

    The trucks were deployment in the first phase of the company’s direct fuel distribution programme.

    The foremost industrialist also spoke of a plan to raise refining capacity from 650,000bpd to 700,000bpd next year in line with management’s determination to create more jobs and support domestic economic growth.

    Enumerating the success stories of the operations at the $2b facility, Dangote said that Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues faded since the refinery began production a year ago.

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    According to him, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has also in the last one year, crashed petrol prices by N259.

    The pump price which was N1,100 per litre last year has crashed to N841.

    “Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the South West, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. With the rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide,” he said.

    Dangote also threw his weight behind the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy target by 2031, describing it as a possibility.

    He urged more Nigerians to “invest in the local economy for the good of all and in support of the government’s determination to create jobs and grow the economy”.

    Highlighted Nigerians battle with persistent fuel crisis since 1975, Dangote noted that the issue has been steadily resolved since the refinery rolling out with petrol on September 15, 2024.

    “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.

    Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has contended with since inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.

    “The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true. What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.

    He noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.

    He revealed that between June and first week of September this year, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of petrol, underscoring its capacity to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

    Emphasising job creation, he stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities.

    He said: “The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria. We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he said.

    “Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.

     “Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser. These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors.

    “We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”

    He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, dedicated workforce and the Nigerian public for their continued support.

    In particular, he commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.

    Dangote also used the occasion to showcase some of the CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, emphasising that the company will successfully deploy all 4,000 trucks across the country soon.

    He dismissed fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the trucks, stressing that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.

    The Dangote Group chairman clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership should be  a personal choice for individuals.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development.

    Emphasising the importance of protecting its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, Dangote eciting the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.

    He noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.

    Dangote said: “Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. We must build and industrialise our own economies. Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.

    “My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty. Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialization.”

  • OPEF urges support for Dangote Refinery, calls for transparent competition in oil sector

    OPEF urges support for Dangote Refinery, calls for transparent competition in oil sector

    The Oduduwa Progressive Economic Forum (OPEF) has called for stronger support for the Dangote Refinery, stressing that the facility represents a major step toward achieving Nigeria’s energy independence and economic stability.

    In a statement on Sunday, OPEF’s Executive Director, Dr. Rotimi Adeyanju, said the refinery has already provided relief to Nigerians through improved fuel availability and lower prices, and should be encouraged to thrive in a fair and transparent market.

    Adeyanju urged stakeholders, including the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), to embrace healthy competition that prioritises the welfare of citizens and the growth of local industries.

    Responding to concerns raised by DAPPMAN about Dangote’s share of the market, OPEF maintained that any domestic refining effort should be viewed as complementary to national supply and an opportunity to reduce dependence on fuel imports.

    Read Also: NUPENG blocks loading in Dangote Refinery

    “If a local refinery is able to reduce pump prices, that should be seen as a relief for citizens. What Nigerians want is consistent supply at affordable rates,” Adeyanju said.

    He also noted that while importers currently play a key role in meeting demand, the long-term goal should be to strengthen domestic refining capacity and gradually reduce reliance on foreign products.

    OPEF further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, regulators, and security agencies to support policies that protect local refining while ensuring fair play in the downstream sector.

    “This refinery symbolises the rebirth of our industrial capacity. All stakeholders should work together to ensure it succeeds, as its progress will benefit citizens, industries, and the overall economy,” the forum stated.

  • NANS seeks FG intervention over Dangote Refinery, NUPENG feud

    NANS seeks FG intervention over Dangote Refinery, NUPENG feud

    The Senate arm of the National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS) has called for the intervention of Federal Government over the feud between Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

    The body urged Federal government to do everything possible to protect Dangote Refinery and forestall any situation that may pose risk of fuel scarcity across the nation.

    A statement by NANS Senate President, Usman Adamu Nagwaza explained Dangote Refinery has contributed immensely to fuel production and distribution across the nation, which in turn has eased burden on Nigerians and undoubtedly spurred economic growth.

    He said NANS will not stand idly by while few individuals attempt to destroy Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a facility that has already become a beacon of employment and hub of knowledge transfer for countless Nigerian graduates.

    He urged NUPENG to embrace dialogue and refrain from inadvertently becoming instruments in the hands of economic saboteurs.

    He also called on the National Security Adviser, security agencies, and their respective formations to the urgent need to safeguard these critical national assets because any attack on them is an attack on future of the nation.

    He said: “The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been following with keen interest the ongoing feud between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

    “As much as we recognize the importance and vital role that unions and associations play in the defense and protection of human rights, we are obliged at this point to set the record straight: joining one is a matter of free will. 

    “No individual or group should be compelled or coerced into membership. Everyone has the freedom of association, and the choice not to associate should never warrant threats of a national showdown from any individual, body, or union.

    “Furthermore, it is pertinent to state emphatically and unequivocally that we have no problem with the activities of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). 

    “However, we cannot afford a situation that could degenerate into a national crisis. If the feud between the Dangote Refinery and the leadership of NUPENG persists, we foresee a likelihood of returning to the days of fuel scarcity.

    “The negative impact of fuel scarcity on the economy and its injurious consequences are not far-fetched. Hence, we cannot afford a situation where tanker drivers embark on a strike. We have not witnessed fuel scarcity in a long time, and that is a feat we must commend the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for. 

    “The ailing economy is now being resuscitated, and the best any individual or group can do at this time is to give the necessary support to the government and the private sector, of which the Dangote Refinery is a germane contributor, rather than dragging the nation’s economy backward.

    “Equally concerning are credible security reports indicating that the notorious oil cartel, responsible for holding the country to ransom for decades through fuel subsidy scams, cross-border smuggling, and deliberate promotion of import dependence and persistent fuel scarcity may be positioning themselves to exploit the current impasse. 

    “Intelligence suggests they may be plotting to attack the newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered fuel distribution trucks of the Dangote Refinery, with the most extreme intentions being to set them ablaze.”