Coalition Storms National Assembly, Urges President Tinubu Probe Cabal Sabotaging Dangote Refinery, Subjecting Nigerians to Hardship
By Juliet Vincent
The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NCOCSO) has staged a protest at the National Assembly Friday calling on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the cabal sabotaging Dangote Refinery and other local refiners.
Members of the coalition who hold placards with various inscriptions and chanting slogans, also urged President Tinubu to address all other challenges in the oil and gas industry by stopping fuel importation and encouraging local refining in the country.
Addressing journalists, the National spokesperson of the Coalition, Kennedy Tabuko said Nigeria has all the potentials to refine fuel locally but it was bogged down by vested interests who continue to impose PMS importation on the country.
According to him, unnecessary import dependency costs Nigeria billion in foreign exchange every year, placing its economy under enormous strain, while the people bear the burnt of fluctuating global oil prices and currency devaluation, all while this cabal profits from maintaining the status quo.
He said, “We.must hold accountable those who prioritize personal gain over national prosperity. They are frustrating the nation’s move towards self sufficiency, ensuring that, Nigeria remains exposed to the volatility of the international market. This is unacceptable and unsustainable for nation as richly endowed with natural resources as ours.
“We call upon His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,to take a decisive action to address this troubling issue. We know President Tinubu loves Nigeria and wants the best for Nigeria, hence we urge him to caution the NNPCL leadership led by Mele Kyari to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises.
“The President should immediately authorize an investigation into Cabal’s activities within the fuel sector to uncover and expose any malicious manipulation or corruption”.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Coalition, Segun Adebayo said that, Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote and other Modular Refinery owners have invested heavily to curb Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.
He said, “The Dangote Refinery represents a transformative opportunity for energy independence and economic growth. However, instead of supporting these efforts, the cabal at the NNPCL has actively hindered local refinery operations, prioritizing imported PMS and discouraging local refining. This calculated sabotage deters investors, limits job creation, and keeps Nigeria locked in economic dependency.
“For Nigeria to realize its ambition of a self-sustaining economy, this group’s exploitative grip on the fuel sector must end. Only through a transparent probe and strict accountability can we remove these obstacles to local refinery success and national economic stability. We implore the President to enact reforms that will bolster the local refining industry and free Nigeria from dependence on imported fuel.
“One critical policy shift we advocate for is mandating that Nigerian crude oil be sold to local refineries in Naira rather than in dollars. This change would significantly reduce our foreign exchange losses, empower local businesses, and protect the Naira. A shift to selling crude oil domestically in Naira would also send a strong message that Nigeria is serious about prioritizing its local industries and economic sovereignty,” he said.
