The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a high-level investigation into claims that International Oil Companies (IOCs) are attempting to undermine the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.
In a letter addressed to the President through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, dated July 1, 2024, the unions expressed deep concern over what they described as a deliberate plot by some IOCs to frustrate the operations of the Dangote Refinery. The unions demanded that the investigation’s findings be made public to ensure transparency and uphold public trust.
“The leadership and members of our great Union and Association profoundly appreciate your commitment and dedication to restoring the economic growth and prosperity of our dear Nation,” the letter stated. “Unfortunately, we are deeply concerned and shocked by the recent unusual allegations by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company of a deliberate plot by some International Oil Companies (IOCs) to frustrate their business efforts and continued existence.”
The letter, signed by NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, and PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, highlighted several alleged sabotaging actions. These actions reportedly include denying the refinery crude oil supply and artificially inflating market prices of crude oil, which forces the refinery to source crude oil from other countries at high operating costs.
“These sabotaging actions reportedly include denying the Refinery crude oil supply and artificially inflating market prices of the crude oil to the Company, thereby forcing Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company to source crude oil from other countries, even as far as the United States of America with attendant high operating costs and logistics,” the letter noted.
The unions emphasized the critical importance of the Dangote Refinery to Nigeria’s energy security, economic growth, and employment opportunities. They also stressed the need for government intervention to ensure the refinery’s successful operation.
“The Dangote Refinery is not only a critical National asset but also a beacon of hope for our energy security, economic growth, and employment opportunities. The economic benefits of a Local Refinery with such capacity as the Dangote’s to Nigeria, can never be overstated,” they said.
The unions urged the federal government to take immediate and decisive action, including setting up an independent panel to investigate the allegations, making the findings public, and taking legal action against any entities found guilty of economic sabotage. They also called for government support to ensure the refinery’s uninterrupted operations.
“Our demands are as follows: Immediate Investigation… Public Disclosure… Legal Action… Support for Dangote Refinery,” the letter detailed, emphasizing the urgency and importance of these steps.
“We trust your courage and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project and we believe that the Presidency will take decisive action to safeguard the Dangote Refinery and ensure its successful operation for the benefit of our Nation,” the unions concluded.
