The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Federal Government to fully implement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on crude supply to Dangote Refinery and modular refineries.
The President of NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, who led other leaders and members of the association on a visit to the facility, praised Aliko Dangote’s patriotic endeavor in establishing the refinery, which has the potential to end fuel scarcity and perennial queues at filling stations.
Maikyau expressed disappointment at the opposition from fuel importers, who have stifled the economy and kept it reliant on imported refined petroleum products.
He described Dangote as a freedom fighter and economic warrior, who has proven his commitment to Nigeria’s development through his actions.
He urged the government to create a supportive environment for the refinery, aiming to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products and alleviate fuel scarcity hardships.
He lamented the shame of importing crude from abroad and exporting refined products due to local opposition.
Vice Chairman of the Epe Branch of the NBA, Ivo Takor, praised the refinery’s potential to resolve fuel importation issues, create jobs, boost foreign exchange, and save the country money spent on subsidizing petroleum products.
He noted that despite benefits, entrenched cartels are against the refinery’s full operation.
Takor emphasized the need for stringent monitoring to ensure compliance with the presidential directive, stressing that withholding crude from the refinery constitutes sabotage against the nation and should be met with appropriate sanctions.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President (Oil & Gas) at Dangote Industries Limited, informed the delegates that the refinery was established to source and refine local crudes for Nigeria’s benefit while exporting excess production to boost the economy.
He noted that insufficient Nigerian crude supplies have necessitated importing crude from other countries and continents while exporting refined petroleum products abroad.
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