Oil cabals target Dangote refinery, Yoruba council cries out to Tinubu

The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba L’Agbaye) has asked President Bola Tinubu to reverse the government’s decision to approve the importation of petroleum products.

The group said the move goes against Nigeria’s economic interest and weakens local refining efforts.

In a statement signed by its President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, the council  along with several youth and civil society groups  urged the government to focus on using local refineries, especially the Dangote Refinery.

According to the group, the Dangote Refinery, which currently has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and plans to expand to 1.4 million barrels, can meet all of Nigeria’s fuel needs. It also has enough storage capacity to keep the country supplied for over a year.

Hassan said supporting the refinery fits with the government’s “Nigeria-First” policy. He added that giving import licences to oil traders goes against efforts to rebuild the nation’s refining capacity and economic independence.

He suggested that at least 70 percent of Nigeria’s crude oil should be allocated to local refineries, including Dangote’s, to create jobs, boost revenue, and strengthen the country’s energy security.

The group also accused some oil cabals and unions of trying to sabotage the refinery by spreading false information and protecting fuel import interests.

It called on President Tinubu to order a full investigation into these alleged actions, including threats to shut down the refinery.

Hassan praised Aliko Dangote for investing an extra ₦2 trillion in logistics and purchasing 10,000 tanker trucks to distribute fuel nationwide at no extra cost to marketers. He described the move as a sign of patriotism.

The council also accused some labour unions of past sabotage in the refinery sector and misuse of funds meant for turnaround maintenance.

It urged the President to direct anti-corruption agencies to investigate anyone involved in attempts to disrupt the refinery’s operations or endanger Nigeria’s energy security.