Students Warn Against Crippling Dangote Refinery

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has cautioned the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority against taking any action that could disrupt the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

It said such a development could worsen economic hardships faced by Nigerian students and other citizens.

NAPS, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its national president, Comrade Jimoh Ibrahim, expressed concern over the recent development between the refinery and the regulator, particularly the directive affecting the loading and truck-out of products from the facility.

The students’ body said the matter should not be viewed merely as a dispute between a regulatory agency and a private company, stressing that disruptions in domestic fuel supply could have far-reaching consequences for students, their families and the wider economy.

According to NAPS, the Dangote Refinery remains a strategic national asset which contribution to Nigeria’s economy cannot be ignored.

Ibrahim said the refinery had strengthened domestic refining capacity, created employment and business opportunities, supported local industries and offered the country an opportunity to reduce its dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

The association warned that any disruption to the petroleum sector would directly affect students through higher transport fares and higher prices of goods and services, while also putting additional pressure on families responsible for school fees and students’ upkeep.

NAPS therefore urged the NMDPRA to resolve any regulatory concerns involving the refinery transparently, professionally and within the provisions of the law.

“We, therefore, issue the NMDPRA a clear and unequivocal warning: do not frustrate Dangote Refinery. Do not cripple its operations. Do not allow regulatory authority to become a weapon against a strategic investment that is contributing to Nigeria’s economic stability,” the association said.

The students’ body said Nigeria could not afford to return to an era of excessive dependence on imported petroleum products after years of inadequate domestic refining capacity.

It recalled the challenges that had affected Nigeria’s government-owned refineries over the years, arguing that institutional disagreements must not create another cycle of frustration around a facility contributing to domestic fuel production.

While declaring its support for responsible regulation, accountability, safety and compliance with the law, NAPS said it would oppose any regulatory action it considered detrimental to the national interest.

The association further warned that it would mobilise Nigerian students and relevant stakeholders for lawful and peaceful action if there was any deliberate attempt to sabotage, cripple or unnecessarily shut down the Dangote Refinery.

NAPS also called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to ensure that the dispute did not escalate into a threat to domestic energy security, economic stability or the welfare of Nigerians.

“The Nigerian economy cannot be jeopardised. The future of Nigerian students cannot be sacrificed. And a strategic national asset cannot be allowed to fail through avoidable institutional conflict,” the association said.