Yoruba Group Backs Dangote Refinery, Warns Oil Unions Against False Claims

The Yoruba Council Worldwide, the umbrella body for Yoruba people across the globe, has applauded Dangote Refinery for lowering fuel prices and urged oil and gas unions to stop spreading misinformation.

The council’s president, Aare Oladotun Hassan, led a delegation of more than 30 civil society organisations to the refinery on Friday. The team declared support for Aliko Dangote and his management in the face of disputes with Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, and other unions.

The delegation described the refinery as a massive investment that has transformed the energy sector. They accused entrenched cabals of trying to undermine Nigerians through exploitative charges and false claims.

The group pointed to the refinery’s 650,000 barrels per day capacity, thousands of CNG and cargo trucks, and a logistics network worth trillions of naira that helps deliver products without additional cost. They also noted that the facility has created more than 40,000 jobs and cut petrol and diesel prices within one year of operation.

During the visit, the council urged President Bola Tinubu to raise tariffs on imported fuel, ensure steady crude supply to the refinery, and open more exploration licences. They also called for nationalisation of dormant oil wells and better use of licensed sites to boost local output.

The team commended the refinery for its resilience and commitment to keeping fuel affordable, saying it has given Nigerians relief from the burden of fuel importation. They also praised Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, who hosted them during the visit.

Following their inspection, the group said the facility meets global standards and reflects excellence. In recognition of his role, they resolved to confer on Aliko Dangote the Omoluabi Royal Icon title of Aare Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye.

They further presented him with a nomination for the Nigeria Heroes Awards as “Legend of Democracy,” scheduled to hold on October 10, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.