REFINERIES:Dangote Must Not Die! Who is afraid of Dangote?
By Comrade Mashood Lanrey Osho.
Fellow Nigerians, this morning i woke up to a call from a Comrade friend in Kaduna state, and our discussion led to the Dangote refinery issue. I’m perplexed by the arguments surrounding the standard of fuel produced by the refinery. It raises questions about why some individuals don’t want Nigeria to prosper in terms of infrastructure, security, electricity, education, health and lastly citizens’ welfarism.
Nigeria has struggled with petroleum issues since before I was born, and it’s disheartening to see that we’re still battling with petroleum prices, which inflict hardship on our people. Developed countries are diversifying into electric cars and gas, yet we’re still stuck what a pity.
I commend Dangote for built the largest refinery in Africa, which could have brought relief to Nigeria. However, instead of supporting him, international oil companies( IOC )are hindering his efforts. They’re prioritizing profits over the country’s progress what a mess?
The argument that Dangote’s refinery produces substandard products is baseless. Instead of demarket his products, they should engage with him to address any concerns. We have four non-functional refineries, and it’s shameful that some individuals are trying to sabotage Dangote’s efforts.
In March 2021 ,the federal government approved $1.5 billion contract to repair the 210,000-barrel capacity port-Harcourt refinery .up till now it hasn’t be working and bring on streem.likewise in August 2021, the Federal Executive Council approved the award of the contract for the rehabilitation of warri and Kaduna Refineries at the combined total sum of 1.5 billion dollars up till now it has not be bring to stream not working .
Four refineries for over fourty year’s aren’t working what a shame it’s obvious that those sabotaging these rifeneries are working seriously to make sure that dangote rifenery die on arrival and must not die,who is afraid of his refinery? I want to know.
Corruption in the oil sector is evident, and it’s time to tackle it head-on. We must support Dangote and encourage him to succeed. The cabals causing harm to Nigeria will soon face the consequences of their actions. The masses are getting frustrated, with many Nigerians expressing frustration through social media, newspapers pages ,radio stations, and protests on the streets. It’s essential for those involved in corrupt practices to desist, as the masses are getting increasingly involved in demanding changes. The 2010 ENDSARS protests serve as a reminder of the power of collective action.
Additionally, the interventions of the House of Representatives on these matters should not be swept under the carpet. The country needs solutions to these challenges, and individuals like Dangote, who is investing in a refinery, should be seen as partners, not competitors. It’s crucial for the government to address these issues and work towards a better future for Nigeria.
It’s been reported that and it’s time for reasonable actions to be taken before protests erupt.I was skeptical when former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo while in office appeared on a Channel TV program to discuss solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges. He suggested that privatizing the electricity sector would attract investors and prevent financial losses and make electricity to stable Although I had doubts about his proposal then, it’s worth considering his perspective now with what some element are doing to Dangote if it’s government own property it must have die or not completed up till now it’s obvious.
It’s no surprise that Dangote is speaking out and urging Nigerians to support him, as he faces challenges in getting crude oil from IOC reminiscent of the struggles that led to the decline of our existing four refineries. It seems like there are Cabals working against the success of Dangote refinery to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerian as a result of fuel prices.
Former Minister of petroleum late Professor Tam David-West the professor of virology while in office said Nigeria can build modular refineries in six months to solve our fuels local production challenge and nobody listen to him until his death and we are still battling the issues what a mess?Former president Buhari gave licence to some private business men to build modular refinery in South -South and South Eastern state’s of Nigeria before he left Where are those refineries now? It’s time for the government to take decisive action and support investors like Dangote. The House of Representatives that intervened must ensure that the issues are addressed, not swept under the carpet.
Similarly, former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (SLS), raised concerns about unremitted funds during his tenure. Unfortunately, instead of investigating, he was suspended by the then-president Good luck Jonathan. It wasn’t until the Buhari administration that some of the stolen funds were recovered from Diezani Alison Madueke where is the conscience? And where are the recovered loot’s?
Other notable instances include the allegations made by Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, former Minister of State for Petroleum, against the former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru through his letter to former president Buhari.
It’s surprising that the former Bauchi State governor hasn’t been invited to discuss his claims regarding the alleged statement made by his friend about the subsidy issue. This claim has sparked public concern and anger, with many calling for an investigation into the matter. The alleged statement implies that there is serious corruption within the NNPCL, which needs to be addressed promptly and transparently to restore public trust.
No foreign investors will ever invest in Nigeria when you already demarket your own citizen investment all because of their selfish interest, Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of criticism towards Dangote, a prominent Nigerian business leader, on the country’s ability to attract foreign investment. Additionally, Dangote has shared that some friends advised against building a refinery in Nigeria. Meanwhile, civil society organizations are advocating for transparency and accountability in the country’s economic development, including the refining sector.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must urgently address corruption in Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to prevent further damage to the country. The significant amount of money lost due to corruption in the sector alone could be better utilized to address Nigeria’s pressing problems. It appears that some Cabals benefiting from the subsidy regime are opposed to the success of the Dangote Refinery, but it’s essential to support initiatives that can benefit the country rather than demarket his products.Dangote refinery must not die.
Despite the massive investment in the Dangote refinery, a project larger than six times Victoria Island, some individuals are working against its success. I pray that God will thwart their evil plans and bless the refinery for Nigeria’s prosperity.
The Dangote refinery has been a game-changer since it began production, significantly reducing the prices of aviation fuel and diesel. The impact on diesel prices has been so profound that it’s no longer a topic of concern. Moreover, Alhaji Dangote has promised to lower petrol prices this month, which would have happened sooner if not for the unfortunate fire incident. This move would have not only benefited consumers but also encouraged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to think innovatively and explore new opportunities.
It’s surprising to hear some people express concerns about Dangote dominating the oil sector. However, history has shown us that his entry into the cement industry led to increased competition and lower prices, with many other cement brands now available in the market. Similarly, the Dangote refinery will open up the market, attract more investors, and give Nigerians the freedom to choose where and how they buy petroleum products, just like in the cement industry. Rather than viewing Dangote as a competitor, we should see him as a liberator, bringing much-needed competition and innovation to the oil industry, which will ultimately benefit the Nigerian people.
Just as we choose our preferred mobile network operator, such as MTN, GLO, or Airtel, to subscribe to data services on our Android phones, we should also consider alternative energy sources to alleviate the hardships caused by petroleum dependence. Notably, the United Arab Emirates has set a target to phase out diesel and petrol cars by 2025, embracing electric vehicles instead. Similarly, developed countries are transitioning away from fossil fuels. In Nigeria, we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives, such as the introduction of CNG buses, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts that brought about light rail and electric buses. By 2040, we anticipate widespread adoption of alternative energy solutions across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reducing our reliance on petroleum and embracing a more sustainable future.
Comrade Mashood Lanrey Osho is a Human right Activist, Anti-corruption Crusader, Author of two different books and public policy analyst.
24th of July 2024.
