Atiku to Nigerians: Take action against internal, external forces impeding Dangote refinery’s progress

Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has called on Nigerians to take a collective stance in supporting the Dangote refinery project, warning against any attempts to impede its progress.

Abubakar’s statement comes amid a conflict between the refinery and Nigerian regulatory authorities.

On August 8, the Dangote refinery said the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been reluctant to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation (DCSO) to ensure that it receives its full crude requirement.

In response, the NUPRC denied the claim, stating that it facilitated the supply of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the refinery between January and June.

However, the Dangote refinery said it has not received the 29 million barrels of crude.

Speaking on the issue on Saturday, Atiku said the Dangote Refinery project is a significant investment that is “positioned to meet our energy and forex needs”.

The former vice-president also expressed concern over potential sabotage of the project.

He urged Nigerians to take “resolute actions” to ensure its success.

“Each parent eagerly awaiting the arrival of a child will dutifully undertake the necessary measures to ensure that the nurturing and development of this precious blessing remain a primary focus,” Abubakar wrote on X.

“This fundamental principle applies equally to investments, whether they be local or international.

“With this understanding, I am cautious in considering any deliberate attempts to impede the progress of the Dangote Refinery, a significant private sector project positioned to meet our energy and forex needs.

“Alongside numerous fellow citizens of goodwill, I call upon all Nigerians to take resolute actions to provide reassurance that both internal and external forces are not collaborating to prevent us from reaping the benefits promised by this eagerly anticipated transformative endeavour.”

On June 4, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, said some international oil companies (IOCs) are struggling to supply crude to his refinery.

Speaking on Arise TV on July 15, Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive officer of the NUPRC, described the claim as “erroneous”, noting that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has provisions that guide willing buyer-willing seller transactions.

But a few days later, the management of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) insisted that the IOCs were frustrating its request to purchase crude feedstock for the refinery.