Coordinator of the Northern Youth Merger Group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Mujahid Zaitawa, has condemned what he described as deliberate attempts by vested interests to frustrate operations at the Dangote Refinery.
He warned that such actions were detrimental to Nigeria’s economic progress and national unity.
During a peaceful protest by Northern youths at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Zaitawa criticised the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for its recent posture towards the refinery, cautioning that any disruption of the company’s operations could have far-reaching economic and political consequences.
He described Alhaji Aliko Dangote as a patriotic Nigerian and Africa’s foremost industrialist, whose investment has transformed the nation’s industrial sector, created thousands of jobs, and boosted the country’s drive toward energy independence.
“The Dangote Refinery is one of the most significant achievements in Nigeria’s industrial history. It has provided thousands of employment opportunities for our citizens — engineers, technicians, and professionals, many of whom relocated from Lagos and other states to contribute to its operations,” Zaitawa said.
He warned that the emerging confrontation between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group may not be purely industrial, alleging that some political elements are using the situation to create disaffection and distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from his reform agenda.
He said, “This entire drama is a calculated attempt to undermine the President’s administration and weaken his growing popularity ahead of the 2027 elections. The masterminds behind this ploy exploit union sentiments to achieve political ends.”
Zaitawa appealed to President Tinubu to remain vigilant and avoid being drawn into what he termed a “manufactured crisis” designed to divide the country along regional and political lines.
He reaffirmed Northern youths’ commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress, stressing that the Dangote Refinery must be protected as a national economic asset rather than turned into a political battleground.
“The success of Dangote Refinery is the success of Nigeria,” he concluded. “We will continue to defend it, because its survival means economic security, employment for our youth, and a stronger, self-reliant nation.”
