In Lagos State, youths are urging traditional rulers in Yoruba land to show support for the $20 billion Dangote oil refinery, which is situated in their area.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the sale of crude oil to the refinery in naira, the youths had previously warned of taking to the streets if the Federal Government did not address the issues stemming from comments made by Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Ahmed had stated that the refinery was producing high sulphur diesel.
The youths, represented by the Lagos Advocacy Group, Lekki Empire Advocacy Forum, and Yoruba Youth Advocacy Forum, spoke at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, Barrister Yakubu Eleto, the Convener of the Lagos Advocacy Group, appealed to all traditional rulers in the South-West to back the refinery due to its location in Yoruba land.
He stated, “The royal fathers should not allow this significant investment to fail as they will be judged by posterity if they remain silent.”
Eleto highlighted the alleged reluctance of international oil companies to sell crude oil to Dangote at market prices and the efforts by certain groups to undermine the refinery. He emphasized the urgent need for the monarchs to take collective action as stakeholders in the local community.
He also pointed out that the success of attracting foreign investors by the Federal Government would be at risk if Aliko Dangote faced frustration despite his substantial investments in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the convener reiterated that the potential failure of the 650,000-capacity refinery would deprive over 10,000 youths of job opportunities available at the refinery.
As stakeholders in the Lagos and South-West community, the groups aim to resolve disputes by calling for a more amicable resolution between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the management of Dangote refinery. They appreciate the initial steps taken by the president, but they demand transparency in the refinery’s operations and government regulations. Accountability from the government for its actions and claims against the Dangote refinery is also requested.
The groups urge the government not to hinder the project and ensure its success for the benefit of the Nigerian people while considering public interest and the community’s welfare.
Calls are made for continuous round table discussions between the Government and Dangote management to facilitate mutually beneficial solutions. Resolving amicably with Dangote, the legal practitioner stated, would lead to economic growth as the refinery operations would contribute to the country’s development.
To address pricing challenges, collaborative agreements between Dangote and independent marketers are advocated by the groups. They believe that establishing direct sales and distribution channels could stabilize prices and provide broader market access for Dangote’s refined products.
Such collaborations, he suggested, could also mitigate the impact of international market fluctuations on the local fuel market, ensuring greater stability for consumers and businesses alike.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is urged to prioritize domestic crude allocations to local refineries, including Dangote’s, to enhance energy security and economic stability.
The groups also call on the Federal Government to review the licensing and regulatory framework to prevent the importation of substandard fuels and support local refining initiatives. This, they believe, would restore the integrity of the government and showcase the country as welcoming to investors both locally and internationally.
After outcry over the lack of crude supply, the Federal Government announced on Tuesday that the 450,000 barrels intended for domestic consumption would be sold to the Dangote refinery and other refineries in naira.
This decision came following strong support for Dangote after accusations by the NMDPRA boss against Aliko Dangote and Bola Tinubu, alleging monopolistic intentions and production of low-quality fuel despite seeking to end fuel importation.
The National Assembly has launched an investigation into these controversies.