By John Ogunsemore

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to safeguard the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, citing its critical role in Nigeria’s economy and fuel supply stability.

The student body also raised concerns about an alleged plot by an oil cartel to attack the refinery’s newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered fuel distribution trucks, including plans to set them ablaze.

In a press statement issued by Sen. Usman Adamu Nagwaza, President of the NANS Senate, the association expressed concern over the ongoing dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

NANS emphasised that while it respects the role of unions in defending workers’ rights, no individual or group should be coerced into joining a union, as freedom of association is a fundamental right.

“Furthermore, it is pertinent to state emphatically and unequivocally that we have no problem with the activities of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

“However, we cannot afford a situation that could degenerate into a national crisis,” Nagwaza stated, warning that the feud could lead to a return of fuel scarcity, a challenge Nigeria has largely overcome under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He commended the government’s efforts in stabilising fuel supply and urged all stakeholders to support economic progress rather than risk setbacks.

NANS noted that credible intelligence suggested that an oil cartel, notorious for fuel subsidy scams, cross-border smuggling, and promoting import dependence, may be exploiting the dispute to sabotage the refinery.

The alleged plot involves targeting the refinery’s CNG-powered trucks, which are vital for fuel distribution across the country.

The national student body called on NUPENG to pursue dialogue to resolve the conflict and avoid being manipulated by economic saboteurs.

It also urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) and security agencies to protect the refinery and its assets, describing any attack on them as “an attack on the future of our nation”.

NANS praised the Dangote Refinery for its contributions to fuel production, job creation, and knowledge transfer for Nigerian graduates.

The association vowed not to stand by while the facility, a key driver of economic growth, faces threats.