Nigerian Students Urge Government To Protect Dangote Refinery

The National Association of Nigerian Students has appealed to the federal government to provide full protection for Dangote Refinery and its assets, warning against sabotage that could disrupt fuel supply across the country.

The student body said the refinery, which has been key in boosting local fuel production, must be shielded from elements plotting to frustrate its operations. It also urged both Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers to resolve their differences through dialogue to avoid a nationwide crisis.

NANS expressed concern that the dispute between the two parties could trigger a return to fuel scarcity if left unresolved. It noted that tanker drivers could be drawn into strike actions, worsening hardship for citizens and reversing the gains made in fuel stability under the current administration.

The association raised alarm over intelligence reports suggesting that oil cartels behind past subsidy scams and smuggling activities may be planning attacks on the refinery’s new fleet of Compressed Natural Gas-powered distribution trucks.

According to NANS, such attacks would be aimed at destabilizing the country’s fuel supply chain and sabotaging progress in the sector.

Calling on the National Security Adviser and other security chiefs, the group insisted that safeguarding the refinery was critical to Nigeria’s economic future.

It described the facility as not only a vital fuel hub but also a source of jobs and training for graduates across the country.

NANS maintained that any threat to the refinery should be treated as a threat to the nation’s stability. It called on the government to act swiftly to protect the multibillion-dollar facility and ensure uninterrupted operations in the interest of the Nigerian people.