Groups under the auspices of Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP) have staged a citizens’ rally in Kaduna to show support for the Dangote Refinery, which, they said, has been facing consistent attacks from alleged economic saboteurs.
The rally, themed “National Unity Against Sabotage: Reclaiming Our Petroleum Sector for the People”, drew attention to the struggles of the refinery, which has been a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
The conveners of the rally, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta and Comrade Dahiru Umar Maishanu, accused the Petroleum and Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of committing economic terrorism by attempting to disrupt the refinery’s operations.
On 29 September, PENGASSAN embarked on a nationwide industrial action to protest alleged illegal sacking of over 800 Nigerian workers by the management of Dangote Refinery. But, following the intervention by the Federal Government and a court order later, the strike was suspended on 1 October.
PANEP alleged that PENGASSAN’s actions were orchestrated by their ‘bosses in the oil cabal’, who are losing their grip on the country.
The Dangote Refinery, a $20 billion project, has been a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy since it began operations in 2024.
With the capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, it has helped Nigeria’s transition from a fuel-importing country to a net exporter of petroleum products.
The groups maintained that the refinery’s success has been met with resistance from some quarters, including alleged sabotage by petroleum middlemen and import cartels.
The rally organirers called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to protect the refinery and support local refining. They urged the President to ensure the supply of crude oil to the refinery at the same price it is sold to foreign refineries.
They also appealed to the President to end the importation of petroleum products or impose high tariffs to protect local industries. He should also go after economic saboteurs and their agents who are allegedly trying to kill the refinery.
The group said that Dangote Refinery has had a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy without projections suggesting it could boost the country’s GDP.
‘The refinery has already created thousands of jobs and is expected to conserve foreign exchange, reduce fuel shortages, and stimulate economic growth’, PANEP said.
