By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have urged President Bola Tinubu to investigate allegations made by Mr. Aliko Dangote that International Oil Companies (IOCs) are undermining the operations of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company.
In a letter dated July 1, 2024, addressed to President Tinubu through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and signed by Comrade Olawale Afolabi, General Secretary of NUPENG, and Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, General Secretary of PENGASSAN, the unions highlighted the severity of the alleged sabotage.
They claim that certain IOCs have deliberately withheld crude oil supplies to the Dangote Refinery while artificially inflating market prices, forcing the refinery to source crude oil from foreign markets at significantly higher costs.
“The Dangote Refinery is a critical national asset, pivotal to Nigeria’s energy security, economic growth, and employment prospects,” the letter emphasized. The unions noted that the economic benefits of a local refinery of this scale are immense, yet successive governments have failed to enforce policies requiring IOCs to establish refining capabilities within Nigeria.
NUPENG and PENGASSAN demanded immediate action from the Federal Government, outlining several urgent measures:
1. Establish an independent panel to thoroughly investigate the allegations of sabotage by IOCs. Transparency and accountability in the investigation process are paramount to uncovering the truth and holding responsible parties accountable.
2. Make the findings of the investigation public to ensure transparency and maintain public trust. Nigerians deserve clarity on the actions of IOCs and the potential impact on national interests.
3. Take decisive legal measures against the implicated entities, including sanctions and penalties, to deter future acts of economic sabotage should the allegations be substantiated.
Furthermore, the unions called for support to ensure the uninterrupted operations of the Dangote refinery, including security and stability around its operations to safeguard its pivotal role in the national economy.
The unions expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity and urged him to act decisively in protecting the nation’s strategic assets. They added that the outcome of the investigation is expected to resonate deeply within Nigeria’s industrial landscape, shaping policies on foreign investment and reinforcing the imperative of safeguarding critical national assets.