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 investigate the allegation by Mr Aliko Dangote, that International Oil Companies (IOCs) are concerting serious efforts to undermine the operations of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company.
The duo said President Tinubu must take immediate action to unravel the truth in the allegations in the interest of national economic and security, reports Nigerian Tribune.
Contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, dated July 1st, 2024, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, General Secretary of NUPENG, and Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, General Secretary of PENGASSAN, who signed it, highlighted the severity of the alleged sabotage.
They assert that certain IOCs have deliberately withheld crude oil supplies to the Dangote Refinery while artificially inflating market prices, thereby coercing the refinery into sourcing crude oil from foreign markets, such as the United States, at significantly higher costs.
“The Dangote Refinery stands as a critical national asset, pivotal to Nigeria’s energy security, economic growth, and employment prospects,” the letter emphasised.
“The economic benefits of a local refinery of this scale are immense, yet successive governments have failed to enforce policies requiring IOCs to establish refining capabilities within Nigeria,” they noted.
Demanding swift and decisive action from the Federal Government, NUPENG and PENGASSAN went further to outline urgent measures government must take.
The measures are that government must; “establish an independent panel to thoroughly investigate the allegations of sabotage by IOCs. Transparency and accountability in the investigation process are paramount to uncovering the truth and holding responsible parties accountable.
“Made the findings of the investigation public to ensure transparency and maintain public trust. Nigerians deserve clarity on the actions of IOCs and the potential impact on national interests.
“Must take decisive legal measures against the implicated entities, including sanctions and penalties, to deter future acts of economic sabotage should the allegation be substantiated.”
Furthermore, the trade unions asked that Dangote refinery be supported to guarantee the uninterruption of its operations in the country. “This encompasses ensuring security and stability around the refinery’s operations to safeguard its pivotal role in the national economy.”
The oil and gas-based unions further expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity and urged him to decisively in protecting the nation’s strategic assets.
They added that the outcome of the investigation is expected to resonate deeply within Nigeria’s industrial landscape, shaping policies on foreign investment and reinforcing the imperative of safeguarding critical national assets.
