The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural and Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) have written to President Bola Tinubu, demanding an investigation into the allegation that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) are plotting to undermine the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.
In a letter to the President, through his Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, dated July 1, the unions emphasised the need for transparency and public trust in the findings.
The letter, signed by NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, and PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, reads: “The leadership and members of our great Union and Association profoundly appreciate your commitment and dedication to restoring the economic growth and prosperity of our dear Nation, and we are also fully mobilised and committed to supporting your laudable thoughts and hard decisions towards these lofty goals.
“Unfortunately, we are deeply concerned and shocked by the recent unusual allegations by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company of a deliberate plot by some International Oil Companies (IOCs) to frustrate their business efforts and continued existence.”
The unions highlighted that the alleged sabotaging actions include denying the refinery crude oil supply and inflating market prices, forcing the Dangote Refinery to source crude oil from as far away as the United States, thereby incurring high operating costs and logistics.
“The Dangote Refinery is not only a critical national asset but also a beacon of hope for our energy security, economic growth, and employment opportunities. The economic benefits of a local refinery with such capacity as Dangote’s in Nigeria can never be overstated,” the letter continued.
The associations also noted their campaigns for Nigeria to require companies benefiting from joint venture agreements to establish refineries and petrochemical companies within the country.
