Ayoola Lawal, former secretary of the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, has sounded a strong warning over the brewing crisis at the Dangote Refinery, describing it as a defining test of Nigeria’s economic reform journey.
Mr Lawal, the former chairman of the APC in the Scandinavian countries, issued the warning on Monday in a statement.
He was reacting to threats by oil unions to disrupt operations at Africa’s largest refinery, Dangote Refinery.
The diaspora chairman urged President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly, noting that any day of disruption risked billions in lost revenue and shattered investor confidence.
“This is not a quarrel between a union and a private firm. It is an assault on Nigeria’s recovery. To sabotage the Dangote Refinery is to sabotage Nigeria itself,” he said.
Mr Lawal praised Nigeria’s recent gains from reforms, including rising reserves, higher oil output, and expanded FAAC allocations. However, he warned that reckless union overreach could undo progress.
He condemned reported extortion at refinery gates, calling it a tax ordinary Nigerians paid at the pump.
“The Dangote Refinery is not just infrastructure. It is a symbol of reform, sovereignty, and national ambition. No union, cabal, or cartel must ever again hold Nigeria hostage,” Mr Lawal stated.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria had earlier asked its members to disrupt activities at the refinery by blocking gas supply to it.
The association stated that its decision was in response to an alleged decision by the refinery’s management to terminate the employment of some of its members, who are also workers.
It also accused Dangote Refinery of spreading misinformation to justify its actions.
In a swift response, Dangote Refinery described the order as illegal and cautioned PENGASSAN to obey Nigerian laws in its operations.
The refinery noted that PENGASSAN had no legal right to disrupt or interfere with its contracts with third-party vendors for the supply of gas and crude oil.
The Dangote Refinery urged the federal government and its security agencies to intervene and call PENGASSAN to order.
It also stated that PENGASSAN’s actions were not only lawless but also had the potential to inflict significant harm on the Nigerian economy and citizens.
(NAN)
