By Taiwo Adebowale, Senior Business Correspondent
LAGOS, Nigeria — In a powerful statement released in Abuja on Saturday, Professor Ango Abdullahi, the Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, issued a stark warning against attempts to undermine the Dangote Refinery. Abdullahi’s remarks come amid the Federal Government’s intervention in the ongoing dispute between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the management of Dangote Refinery, one of Africa’s largest oil processing plants.
The Context of the Dispute
The Dangote Refinery, a monumental project led by business magnate Aliko Dangote, has faced significant challenges in securing local crude oil supplies. This situation has sparked a heated debate, with Abdullahi pointing fingers at entrenched interests within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) cartel. He accuses these interests of deliberately crippling the nation’s refining capacity, thereby ensuring Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
Historical Sabotage of Nigeria’s Refineries
For over three decades, Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries have been effectively rendered inoperative. Abdullahi’s statement highlights how powerful vested interests within the NNPC have consistently sabotaged these facilities, preventing them from meeting the nation’s domestic petroleum needs. This strategic failure has left Nigeria, an OPEC member, as the only country in the organization without functional refining capacity, resulting in the country becoming a global laughingstock.
The Stakes for Nigeria
Abdullahi’s warning is clear: the ongoing efforts to frustrate the Dangote Refinery represent a grave threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth. He argues that instead of celebrating Dangote’s achievement, which promises to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, certain factions within the oil and gas sector are bent on de-marketing the refinery and thwarting its operations. This sabotage, according to Abdullahi, is driven by narrow political interests that prioritize personal gain over national welfare.
The NEF’s Stand
The Northern Elders Forum, under Abdullahi’s leadership, is closely monitoring these developments. The NEF sees the Dangote Refinery as a critical national asset that could herald a new era of prosperity for Nigeria. Abdullahi’s statement underscores the NEF’s determination to support Dangote and defend the refinery against any attempts to derail its operations. He calls on Nigerians to recognize the refinery’s significance and to stand against the vested interests that seek to undermine it.
Political Manipulation and Economic Sabotage
Abdullahi’s statement also addresses the broader issue of political manipulation in Nigeria. He criticizes the tendency to play politics with narrow, self-serving interests, often at the expense of the country’s economic health. The NEF Chairman emphasizes that the refinery’s challenges are symptomatic of a deeper, systemic problem where a few powerful individuals hold the economy hostage for their own benefit.
The Federal Government’s Role
In light of these concerns, Abdullahi welcomes the intervention of the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobri. The Minister’s timely action to address the dispute is seen as a positive step towards safeguarding the refinery’s future. Abdullahi stresses the importance of continued government vigilance to ensure that the refinery operates smoothly and contributes to Nigeria’s economic stability.
Implications for the Nigerian Masses
The impact of the refinery’s potential failure extends beyond the oil sector. Abdullahi highlights how ordinary Nigerians, who already suffer from high fuel prices, frequent shortages, and widespread unemployment, will bear the brunt of any disruption to the refinery’s operations. He warns that the masses will no longer tolerate the actions of a few individuals who prioritize their interests over national well-being.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Abdullahi’s statement is a clarion call for unity and action. He urges all Nigerians to recognize the critical importance of the Dangote Refinery and to resist efforts to undermine it. The NEF’s support for Dangote reflects a broader commitment to national prosperity and economic independence. Abdullahi’s warning serves as a reminder that the future of Nigeria’s oil industry—and by extension, its economy—depends on the collective will of its people to stand against vested interests and support initiatives that promise long-term benefits for the nation.
