AdminThe Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), a professional body of lawyers in the country has stressed that if a conducive environment is created for the Dangote Refinery to operate, the challenges of fuel scarcity ravaging the country would end.
NBA called on President Tinubu to give directive for the implementation of crude supply to Dangote and other local refineries in the country to boost domestic production.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe association made the call during a visit to the Dangote Refinery located at Lekki Free Trade zone in Lagos.
NBA, President Yakubu Maikyau, who led other leaders and members of the association on a visit to the facility, applauded the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for remaining steadfast despite the opposition faced.
He described Aliko Dangote as both “a freedom fighter and an economic warrior,” adding that no one is more “patriotic” than in the country than him.
“He has proven this through his actions, not just words. This isn’t about what someone might tell you; we have witnessed the enormous investments he has made in this country,” he said.
Maikyau urged the Federal Government to create a supportive environment for the refinery, aiming to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products and to alleviate the severe hardships caused by fuel scarcity.
He lamented that it is shameful for the refinery to import crude from abroad and export refined products due to opposition from local players.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to pay deliberate and conscious attention to what Dangote is doing. Anyone serious about turning around the fortunes of this country cannot ignore Dangote’s efforts. This is a people-centered investment that must be supported. This is the type of investment we need, and wherever such investments exist in this country, we urge the government to create an enabling environment for the benefit of the people. If we establish a supportive environment for this refinery to operate, we will eliminate the queues on our streets and resolve the difficulties associated with the scarcity of petroleum products. However, we will need the government to demonstrate a willingness to support this crucial venture. We have a facility here that can compete with the best in the world, but unfortunately, it is not receiving the support and recognition it deserves. It is disgraceful that with a refinery of this capacity, where 86 tankers can be loaded at once, we still face fuel shortages,” he added.
Vice Chairman of the Epe Branch of the NBA, Ivo Takor, who praised the location of the refinery in the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis, said that the project has the potential to resolve the long-standing issue of fuel importation, create jobs, boost foreign exchange, and save the country money currently spent on subsidising petroleum products.
“The refinery is something every Nigerian should be proud of. It is a project that will move Nigeria away from its long-standing issue of fuel importation, which comes with its own set of problems. Currently, we are dealing with fuel scarcity and long queues. I believe that once this refinery is fully operational, these challenges will be resolved. Additionally, the refinery has the capacity to export some of its products, bringing foreign exchange into the economy. It will also reduce the government’s expenditure on subsidies, allowing funds to be redirected towards improving infrastructure, education, and the health sector. Since its construction, many jobs have been created, and further job creation will follow when it becomes fully operational,” he said.
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He, however, noted that despite these benefits, there are some entrenched cartels against the full operation of the refinery. While praising President Bola Tinubu for directing the supply of crude to both the refinery and modular refineries across the country, he emphasised the need for stringent monitoring to ensure compliance. He stressed that withholding crude from the refinery constitutes sabotage against the nation and should be met with appropriate sanctions.
“Unfortunately, it appears that there is a well-established cartel working against the full operation of this refinery, specifically those who do not want to supply it with crude oil. It is illogical for Nigeria to export crude oil while the refinery also imports crude . This situation reflects the interests of entrenched forces who benefit from fuel importation, which negatively impacts the people and the economy. Fortunately, the president has issued a directive regarding the supply of crude to the refinery. However, beyond this directive, it is crucial to ensure compliance. Those who do not comply should face adequate sanctions, as failure to do so constitutes sabotage not only against the refinery but against the economy as well,” he said.
The Vice President (Oil & Gas) at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, informed the delegates, that the refinery was established primarily to source and refine local crudes for the benefit of Nigeria, while also exporting excess production to boost the economy.
Edwin noted that the lack of sufficient Nigerian crude supplies has necessitated importing crude from other countries and continents while exporting refined petroleum products abroad.
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