NANS Issues Warning to NUPENG on Threats Against Dangote Refinery

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned that any attempt by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to disrupt the operations of the Dangote Refinery will be resisted by Nigerian youths.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, described the refinery as a project tied to the collective destiny of over 200 million citizens.

He noted that with its 650,000 barrels-per-day refining capacity, the facility represents a turning point for Nigeria’s economic survival. “With Nigeria’s average daily fuel consumption at about 550,000 barrels per day, this refinery can make the nation self-sufficient and create room for exports, changing the long-standing narrative of fuel importation,” Oladoja said.

He urged industry stakeholders — particularly the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and NUPENG — to prioritise national interest over personal or group considerations.

Oladoja warned that students would resist any cartel, group, or institution, whether domestic or foreign, seeking to frustrate the refinery. “This is a battle for the survival of our economy and the dignity of our nation,” he said.

The NANS leader praised Aliko Dangote for what he called an act of uncommon patriotism, stressing that his decision to invest massively in Nigeria rather than abroad demonstrated his commitment to the country. According to him, the refinery will create jobs and sustain the economy for generations.

“This is not just about a refinery. It is about survival, sovereignty, and the dignity of our nation. NANS is watching, and we will not allow vested interests to mortgage our future,” Oladoja declared.

Recent tensions between Dangote and oil workers’ unions have escalated following allegations of breached agreements. On September 9, 2025, Dangote and NUPENG signed a Memorandum of Understanding after government mediation, affirming workers’ constitutional right to unionise. However, within two days, NUPENG accused the Dangote Group of bad faith, claiming truck drivers were ordered to remove union stickers before loading. The company dismissed the allegations as “cheap blackmail.”