The recent development and opinions regarding the Dangote Refinery and its significance to Nigeria’s energy security is pivotal as well as critical in the history of our national life today. Hence the clarion call by some eminent Nigerians like the presidential candidate of the labour party in the 2023 presidential elections, Mr. Peter Obi, and the chairman of forte oil group , Mr. Femi Otedola, including many members of the national Assembly .
It could be recalled that the management of Dangote Refinery had alleged some days ago that some International Oil Companies ( IOCs ) are trying to sabotage its operations by not selling crude oil to the Refinery or demanding high premium for the crude.
This revelation by the management of the Dangote Refinery, however sparked a wave of accusations and counter accusations between the NMDPC and Dangote Refinery, with the NMDPC picking out Dangote Refinery argument as baseless. NMDPC further clarified the sub-standard nature of the Dangote petroleum products as compared to the foreign products which are some of the reasons hindering the full operation of the Refinery.
The NASS has however, as a matter of urgency waded into the issue by setting up a high powered committee to investigate and unravel the controversy surrounding these claims.
Government Intervention: Peter Obi and others are calling on the Federal Government to provide support to the Dangote Refinery, which could be assistance in resolving the dispute with the IOCs or providing incentives for the Refinery’s success.
Investigation into the allegations: The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers ( NUPENG ) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria ( PENGASSAN ) have asked the Federal Government to investigate the allegations of sabotage made by the Dangote Refinery and take decisive action if necessary.
