Dangote Refinery: Communities Warn of Economic Sabotage, Urge End to Fuel Importation
Jerry Adesewo
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) have issued a stern warning to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and International Oil Companies (IOCs), threatening to shut down all oil pipeline facilities if crude oil is not sold and supplied to the Dangote Refinery and other local refineries. The group’s ultimatum follows concerns over the poor treatment of local refineries and the nation’s continued reliance on imported refined products.
HOSTCOM, representing all oil and gas-producing states in Nigeria, expressed frustration over the billions of dollars spent on turnaround maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries, which have yet to yield results. They argue that ongoing corruption within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, driven by powerful cabals, perpetuates the importation of refined petroleum products while hindering local production.
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Dr. Benjamin Tamaramiebi, National President of HOSTCOM, alongside other executives and traditional rulers from the Niger Delta, recently toured the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and the Dangote Fertiliser Limited complex. Notable attendees included HRM Frank Okorakpo, Chairman of the Niger Delta Monarchs Forum; HRM Obafemi Ogaro, Deputy Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON); and HRM (Capt) Frank Okiakpe, Egbesuwei Gbanraun X Agadagba Pere.
Dr. Tamaramiebi, after the tour, criticized the inefficacy of the Federal Government’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna despite substantial financial investments. He pointed to systemic corruption as the root cause, with specific individuals within and outside the government identified as key culprits.
“We have identified the cabal holding Nigeria’s oil sector by the jugular. We shall reveal their names to the people of Nigeria if this trend continues,” said Dr. Tamaramiebi. He emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to refine its crude oil locally and called on the Federal Government to support the Dangote Refinery and other domestic refineries to achieve self-sufficiency in refined products.
HOSTCOM also called for nationwide support for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other modular refineries, warning against any sabotage that could derail the country’s progress towards self-sufficiency in refined products. The group praised the efforts of the 10th National Assembly and other supportive individuals and associations.
Additionally, HOSTCOM condemned Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), for his recent statement opposing the halt of refined product imports. They called for his immediate removal, citing conflicts of interest due to his past associations with downstream companies.
The group praised Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, for his patriotic investment in constructing the refinery, noting its significant contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the project, highlighting its potential to enhance the economy, create jobs, and bring benefits to host communities.
HOSTCOM further warned against the economic sabotage by IOCs who refuse to sell crude oil to local refineries, stating this undermines the President’s agenda to revive the economy. They called on the President to direct NNPC to ensure compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which mandates the commercial negotiation of crude oil supply to local refineries.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President (Oil & Gas) at Dangote Industries Limited, hosted the delegates and explained that the refinery was primarily established to refine local crudes for Nigeria’s benefit. He noted that the lack of sufficient Nigerian crude supplies has forced the refinery to import crude from other countries.
HOSTCOM’s ultimatum underscores the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to support local refining capabilities and reduce dependency on imported refined products.