The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the full implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s directive on supplying crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries across the country. The association emphasized that domestic refining is crucial to ending the recurring fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations.
Describing the establishment of the Dangote Refinery as both a nationalistic and patriotic endeavor, the NBA urged the Federal Government and Nigerians to rally behind the project. The association expressed disappointment that the refinery is facing strong opposition from fuel importers, who have stifled the economy by keeping Nigeria reliant on imported refined petroleum products despite being one of the world’s leading crude oil producers.
NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, who led a delegation of the association’s leaders and members on a visit to the Dangote Refinery, commended the President and CEO of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for his unwavering commitment despite the challenges.
“What I have seen today gladdens my heart, but at the same time, my heart is bleeding because of the neglect and opposition that such a laudable effort is facing. It is shameful, but as I mentioned to the President of the group, his continued steadfastness and resilience despite the opposition show that there is hope for this country. I would describe Aliko Dangote as both a freedom fighter and an economic warrior. There is no one more honorable or patriotic than Dangote. He has proven this through his actions, not just words. This isn’t about what someone might tell you; we have witnessed the enormous investments he has made in this country,” Maikyau said.
He urged the Federal Government to create a supportive environment for the refinery, aiming to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products and to alleviate the severe hardships caused by fuel scarcity. Maikyau lamented that it is shameful for the refinery to be forced to import crude from abroad while exporting refined products due to opposition from local interests.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to pay deliberate and conscious attention to what Dangote is doing. Anyone serious about turning around the fortunes of this country cannot ignore Dangote’s efforts. This is a people-centered investment that must be supported. This is the type of investment we need, and wherever such investments exist in this country, we urge the government to create an enabling environment for the benefit of the people. If we establish a supportive environment for this refinery to operate, we will eliminate the queues on our streets and resolve the difficulties associated with the scarcity of petroleum products.
“However, we will need the government to demonstrate a willingness to support this crucial venture. We have a facility here that can compete with the best in the world, but unfortunately, it is not receiving the support and recognition it deserves. It is disgraceful that with a refinery of this capacity, where 86 tankers can be loaded at once, we still face fuel shortages,” he added.
Vice Chairman of the NBA’s Epe Branch, Ivo Takor, praised the strategic location of the refinery in the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis, noting that the project has the potential to resolve Nigeria’s long-standing issue of fuel importation, create jobs, boost foreign exchange, and save the country money currently spent on subsidizing petroleum products.
“The refinery is something every Nigerian should be proud of. It is a project that will move Nigeria away from its long-standing issue of fuel importation, which comes with its own set of problems. Currently, we are dealing with fuel scarcity and long queues. I believe that once this refinery is fully operational, these challenges will be resolved. Additionally, the refinery has the capacity to export some of its products, bringing foreign exchange into the economy.
“It will also reduce the government’s expenditure on subsidies, allowing funds to be redirected towards improving infrastructure, education, and the health sector. Since its construction, many jobs have been created, and further job creation will follow when it becomes fully operational,” Takor said.
He, however, noted that despite these benefits, there are entrenched interests working against the full operation of the refinery. While commending President Tinubu for directing the supply of crude to both the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries across the country, Takor emphasized the need for stringent monitoring to ensure compliance. He stressed that withholding crude from the refinery constitutes sabotage against the nation and should be met with appropriate sanctions.
“Unfortunately, it appears that there is a well-established cartel working against the full operation of this refinery, specifically those who do not want to supply it with crude oil. It is illogical for Nigeria to export crude oil while the refinery also imports crude. This situation reflects the interests of entrenched forces who benefit from fuel importation, which negatively impacts the people and the economy.
“Fortunately, the president has issued a directive regarding the supply of crude to the refinery. However, beyond this directive, it is crucial to ensure compliance. Those who do not comply should face adequate sanctions, as failure to do so constitutes sabotage not only against the refinery but against the economy as well,” he said.
The Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, informed the delegates that the refinery was established primarily to source and refine local crude for the benefit of Nigeria while exporting excess production to boost the economy. Edwin noted that the lack of sufficient Nigerian crude supplies has necessitated importing crude from other countries while exporting refined petroleum products abroad.
