The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) recently held a protest in Delta State capital, Asaba against alleged sabotage of Nigeria’s refining sector. The students marched through major streets, expressing solidarity with the Dangote Refinery and calling for an end to economic sabotage.
They claimed that certain interests were undermining efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum refining in Nigeria.
NANS demanded that the Federal Government prioritize crude oil supply to local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery.
They called for an end to the undervaluation of crude oil sold to foreign refineries. NANS urged the government to protect private investments and workers’ rights in the oil and gas sector. They demanded an end to union harassment and industrial blackmail, particularly against private refinery workers.
NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, stated that the association would not remain silent while economic saboteurs held the nation hostage.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant crude oil, yet we remain a paradoxical importer of refined petroleum products, Our refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri were deliberately crippled through decades of sabotage, mismanagement, and collusion between local and foreign oil interests.
This has forced us into a shameful cycle of exporting crude at giveaway prices and importing refined products at cutthroat costs.” he said.
He warned that if the government failed to protect the interests of Nigerians, NANS would take its protests to every major highway and ensure their voices are heard. Oladoja emphasized that the Dangote Refinery has already made a positive impact by reducing diesel prices by 40% and is poised to end petrol imports.
