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‎Lagos NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sesi, made the appeal during a Tuesday tour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Ltd. by Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) members and NLC officials.

‎Sesi said compelling the refinery to import crude or buy locally in dollars undermined the promise of reduced fuel prices for Nigerians.

‎“This country has crude oil in abundance. Why is Dangote still importing crude or paying in hard currency for locally produced crude?” she asked.

‎“If the government truly wants to lower fuel prices and support local refining, it must sell crude oil to Dangote in Naira,” she added.

‎According to her, sourcing crude locally in local currency would significantly reduce operational costs and lead to a sustainable drop in fuel prices.

‎The union leader praised Dangote Ltd. for creating a transformative national asset that helps bridge Nigeria’s fuel supply gap, creates jobs, and boosts industrial capacity.

‎She said the scale and strategic importance of Dangote Group’s investments were already delivering measurable benefits to Nigerians.

‎“Today, we have seen the refinery, the fertiliser plant, and other investments in this axis. The size and impact are enormous and impressive,” she said.

‎She described the projects as clear efforts to improve essential product availability, create jobs, and advance Nigeria’s industrialization.

‎Following the removal of petrol subsidies, Nigerians faced a sharp rise in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) costs. She said Dangote’s refinery entry helped stabilise prices.

‎Sesi noted that Dangote’s operations had significantly lowered PMS and other refined product prices, demonstrating private sector leadership in the industry.

‎“With a 650,000-barrel daily capacity, this refinery can serve Nigeria and West Africa. We also saw large vessels exporting fertilisers to other countries,” she said.

‎She praised Aliko Dangote for building a fully operational, world-class refinery that meets domestic and regional refined petroleum needs.

‎Sesi also commended the production of Euro-5-compliant fuel with reduced sulphur content, aligning with global environmental standards and enhancing Nigeria’s market reputation.

‎“This is the pride we want — a Nigerian company producing at global standards, changing the narrative, and boosting our global standing,” she said.

‎She also lauded Dangote Fertiliser Company, which already exports to international markets, urging government support to improve food security and reduce imported agricultural inputs.

‎Dangote Industries Vice President, Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, said the refinery was addressing Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined products.

‎He said it was setting a foundation for a sustainable, competitive refining industry that would benefit the national economy.

‎Edwin revealed plans to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to distribute refined petroleum products nationwide.

‎He said the CNG trucks would ensure domestic refining benefits and lower fuel prices are fully passed to Nigerian consumers.

‎According to him, the CNG fleet would reduce logistics costs — a major contributor to pump prices.

‎“The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks will help pass down domestic refining benefits and lower product prices to consumers,” he said.

‎He clarified the aim was to improve distribution efficiency, not displace existing operators.

‎Edwin added that CNG trucks are environmentally friendlier and cheaper to run, helping to make refined products more affordable nationwide.

‎BY DAMILOLA ADELEKE | AUGUST 13, 2025