The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the full implementation of his directive regarding the supply of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries across the country. The NBA, the leading professional association for lawyers in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing the ongoing fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations nationwide.<\/p>\n
In a recent statement, the NBA urged Nigerians and the Federal Government to rally behind the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing it as a patriotic and nationalistic project. The association expressed deep concern that despite Nigeria\u2019s status as a major crude oil producer, the Dangote Refinery, a monumental investment in the nation\u2019s economy, is facing significant opposition from fuel importers who have long profited from Nigeria\u2019s dependency on imported refined petroleum products.<\/p>\n
Yakubu Maikyau, the NBA President, lauded Aliko Dangote, the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, for his resilience and commitment in the face of criticism. During a tour of the refinery, Maikyau praised Dangote’s determination to bring the project to fruition despite numerous challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I\u2019ve seen today makes me happy, but it also saddens me because of the neglect and opposition that such a noble endeavor is facing. It is a disgrace that such a project, which holds immense potential for our country, is being met with resistance. Aliko Dangote is both a freedom fighter and an economic warrior. His actions, not just his words, have demonstrated his patriotism and dedication to Nigeria\u2019s development,\u201d Maikyau said.<\/p>\n
The NBA President urged the Federal Government to create a conducive environment for the refinery to operate optimally, with the ultimate goal of transforming Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products. He lamented that it is disgraceful for the refinery to purchase crude oil from abroad and export its refined products due to opposition from local players.<\/p>\n
\u201cI call on the Federal Government to pay serious and conscientious attention to what Dangote is doing. Anyone concerned about improving the fortunes of this country cannot afford to ignore the efforts of Aliko Dangote. This is a people-centered investment that deserves our full support. We must create an enabling environment for this refinery and others like it to operate efficiently. If we do, we will eliminate the long queues at fuel stations and address the issues associated with fuel scarcity. But the government must show a strong commitment to supporting this critical initiative,\u201d Maikyau added.<\/p>\n
Ivo Takor, Vice Chairman of the NBA\u2019s Epe Branch, echoed Maikyau\u2019s sentiments, emphasizing the refinery’s potential to solve Nigeria\u2019s long-standing fuel importation problem. He pointed out that the refinery could generate jobs, increase foreign exchange, and save the nation substantial funds currently spent on petroleum product subsidies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe refinery is a source of pride for all Nigerians. It represents a significant step towards reducing our reliance on imported fuel, which has been a persistent challenge for the country. Once fully operational, the refinery will help alleviate fuel scarcity, reduce government expenditure on subsidies, and generate much-needed foreign exchange. Additionally, the project has already created numerous jobs and will continue to do so in the future,\u201d Takor said.<\/p>\n
Despite these advantages, Takor warned that well-entrenched cartels are actively working against the refinery\u2019s full operation. He praised President Tinubu for his directive to ensure crude oil supply to the refinery but stressed the need for strict oversight to ensure compliance. Takor emphasized that any refusal to supply the refinery with crude oil constitutes sabotage against the nation and should be met with severe consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, a well-established cartel appears to be working against the full operation of this refinery, particularly those who refuse to supply it with crude oil. It is absurd for Nigeria to export crude oil while the refinery is forced to import it. This situation benefits only the entrenched forces that profit from fuel importation, to the detriment of the people and the economy. The President\u2019s directive on crude supply is a positive step, but it must be enforced rigorously. Non-compliance should be treated as sabotage, not just against the refinery but against the entire economy,\u201d Takor asserted.<\/p>\n
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President (Oil & Gas) of Dangote Industries Limited, informed the NBA delegation that the refinery was established primarily to process Nigerian crude for the country\u2019s benefit, with any excess production intended for export to boost the economy. However, due to insufficient Nigerian crude supply, the refinery has had to import crude from other countries, underscoring the urgent need for local support to realize the refinery\u2019s full potential.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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