The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged full implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to supply crude oil to the Dangote refinery and modular refineries within the country.
The association described the establishment of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a patriotic endeavor that deserves full support from both the Federal Government and the public to end fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations.
NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, who visited the refinery with other association leaders, expressed disappointment over the resistance the project faces from fuel importers.
He commended Aliko Dangote, the President and CEO of Dangote Group, for his steadfastness despite these challenges. Maikyau labeled Dangote as a “freedom fighter and economic warrior,” praising his significant investments in Nigeria.
He urged the government to create a supportive environment for the refinery, emphasizing that such support is essential for transforming Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products.
He lamented that despite the refinery’s capacity, opposition from local players has led to the importation of crude and the exportation of refined products, which undermines the country’s economy.
Vice Chairman of the NBA’s Epe Branch, Ivo Takor, also highlighted the refinery’s potential to solve Nigeria’s fuel importation issues, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange.
He expressed concern about entrenched cartels opposing the refinery’s full operation and stressed the importance of stringent monitoring to ensure compliance with the President’s directive on crude supply.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, informed the NBA delegates that the refinery was established to refine local crude for Nigeria’s benefit.
However, due to insufficient local crude supply, the refinery has been forced to import crude from other countries, while exporting refined products abroad.
