Nigerian Bar Association Calls for Full Support of Dangote Refinery, Criticizes Resistance from Fuel Importers

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the full implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the supply of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries across the country. The NBA described the establishment of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a patriotic endeavor, vital to ending Nigeria’s chronic fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations.

During a visit to the Dangote Refinery, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau praised Aliko Dangote, the President and CEO of the Dangote Group, for his unwavering commitment despite facing strong resistance from fuel importers. Maikyau lamented the opposition the project has encountered, which has hindered Nigeria’s progress towards becoming self-sufficient in refined petroleum products, despite being a leading crude oil producer.

“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 Aliko Dangote’s continued steadfastness and resilience show that there is hope for this country,” Maikyau said. He called Dangote a “freedom fighter” and an “economic warrior,” emphasizing the importance of supporting his efforts.

Maikyau urged the Federal Government to create a conducive environment for the refinery to operate efficiently, which he believes would transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products and alleviate the hardships caused by fuel shortages. He criticized the situation where the refinery has to import crude from abroad, labeling it a result of entrenched interests benefiting from fuel importation at the expense of the Nigerian economy.

Vice Chairman of the NBA’s Epe Branch, Ivo Takor, echoed Maikyau’s sentiments, noting that the refinery’s location in the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis has the potential to resolve Nigeria’s fuel importation issues, create jobs, boost foreign exchange, and reduce government spending on fuel subsidies. He highlighted the need for strict monitoring to ensure compliance with the president’s directive, warning that withholding crude from the refinery amounts to national sabotage.

Devakumar Edwin, Vice President (Oil & Gas) at Dangote Industries Limited, briefed the NBA delegates, explaining that the refinery was primarily established to source and refine local crude for Nigeria’s benefit. However, due to insufficient Nigerian crude supplies, the refinery has been forced to import crude from other countries while exporting refined products abroad.

The NBA’s visit and subsequent statements underscore the importance of supporting the Dangote Refinery as a strategic asset for Nigeria’s economic future and energy security.

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