The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised alarm over what it described as a deliberate attempt by entrenched interests to undermine and cripple the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, warning that such moves could destabilize Nigeria’s economy and scare off investors.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T.A. Muhammad-Baba, the northern socio-political group alleged that the refinery described as “Nigeria’s largest and most modern indigenous crude oil processing outfit” has faced an “unrelenting onslaught” since inception, including regulatory interference, crude oil supply disruptions, and labour union pressure.
“Evidentially, the challenges are the handiworks of entrenched subterranean interests or the proverbial cabals bent on maintaining an asphyxiating hold on the oil sector and the national economy,” the statement said.
The ACF accused certain vested interests of being uncomfortable with the refinery’s potential to reform Nigeria’s petroleum products supply chain long plagued by subsidy fraud and inefficiency.
It also condemned alleged attempts to coerce Dangote Refinery workers into joining PENGASSAN, describing such pressure as unconstitutional.
“The constitutional provision does not confer automatic membership on anyone; it is an individual’s right to accept or reject membership,” the Forum said.
Backing Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s legal efforts to protect the refinery, the ACF criticised PENGASSAN for allegedly disregarding a subsisting court order restraining it from interfering with refinery operations.
“It should concern all law-abiding citizens that PENGASSAN refuses to comply with a subsisting court order against any disruption to the refinery’s operations,” the statement added.
The Forum aligned itself with Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Mohammed Ali Ndume, who both urged workers to allow the facility to stabilize before pushing for unionization.
Warning that any disruption could discourage investment and damage Nigeria’s image, the ACF said:
“Putting down the Dangote Petroleum complex is a potent disincentive to domestic and international investors because it sends wrong signals to investors.”
Describing the refinery as a strategic national asset, the ACF called on the Federal Government to shield it from “internal and external sabotage” and recommended its inclusion in a National Register of Strategic Assets for special protection under national security provisions.
The Forum further urged the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to expose and sanction those behind industrial actions that cripple vital industries.
While welcoming ongoing negotiations between the refinery and labour unions, the ACF stressed that protecting the Dangote Refinery is crucial to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.
“The Dangote Refinery must not be allowed to fail. Protecting such a facility is not just about one businessman; it is about defending Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and future,” the statement concluded.
