NLC HAILS DANGOTE REFINERY AS GAME-CHANGER FOR NIGERIA’S ECONOMY

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a transformative national asset that will play a crucial role in bridging Nigeria’s fuel supply gap, boosting employment, and restoring public confidence in the country’s industrial capacity. Following a tour of the refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Chairperson of the NLC Lagos State Council, Funmi Sessi, praised the scale and strategic significance of the Dangote Group’s investments.

Sessi said the refinery’s daily capacity of 650,000 barrels has the potential to serve Nigeria and the West African sub-region, and could stimulate competition and growth within the refining sector, benefiting the broader economy. “The removal of petrol subsidies led to a surge in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), but relief began when Dangote entered the market,” she said.

The NLC chairperson urged the Federal Government to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in naira, arguing that this would lower operational costs and lead to more sustainable fuel prices. “Forcing the company to import crude or pay in dollars undermines the promise of lower fuel prices for ordinary Nigerians,” she said.

Sessi also highlighted the Dangote Group’s role in nurturing local talent, noting that many Nigerian engineers, scientists, and technicians have gone on to work as expatriates in various countries. She called for continued commitment to human capital development and the overall well-being of the economy, emphasizing Aliko Dangote’s dedication to Nigeria’s progress.