By Muhammad Mamman
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has hailed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a game-changer for Nigeria, slashing fuel prices and sparking industrial growth. After touring the refinery and fertiliser plant, NLC Lagos State Council Chair, Funmi Sessi, praised the colossal project for bridging Nigeria’s fuel supply gap, creating jobs, and boosting the nation’s industrial prowess.
Sessi highlighted how the refinery’s market entry stabilised soaring petrol prices after the government axed subsidies. “Dangote’s intervention slashed inflated fuel costs, showcasing private sector leadership,” she said. With a 650,000-barrel daily capacity, the refinery could supply Nigeria and West Africa, mirroring Dangote’s transformative impact on the cement industry.
The NLC urged the government to sell crude oil to Dangote in naira, arguing that dollar-based transactions undermine cheaper fuel for Nigerians. “We have abundant crude—why force Dangote to import or pay in dollars?” Sessi questioned. Local currency sales would cut costs and sustain lower fuel prices.
Sessi also lauded Dangote’s role in nurturing Nigerian talent, fostering engineers and technicians who now shine globally. She called on the government to seize this opportunity to bolster local refining and drive economic growth, cementing Dangote’s legacy as a patriotic force for Nigeria’s progress.
