The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Federal Government to fully implement President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries in the country.
The association emphasized that domestic refining is crucial to ending Nigeria’s ongoing fuel scarcity and the long queues at filling stations.
Speaking during a visit to the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), described the refinery as a “nationalistic and patriotic endeavour” that requires full support from both the government and the people of Nigeria.
Maikyau expressed disappointment over the opposition faced by the refinery, particularly from fuel importers who have dominated the market and kept Nigeria dependent on imported fuel, despite the country being a major producer of crude oil.
He praised Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, for his resilience and dedication to the project, calling him “a freedom fighter and an economic warrior.”
He said: “What I have seen today gladdens my heart, but at the same time, my heart is bleeding because of the neglect and opposition that such a laudable effort is facing. It is shameful, but as I mentioned to the President of the group, his continued steadfastness and resilience despite the opposition show that there is hope for this country.
“I would describe Aliko Dangote as both a freedom fighter and an economic warrior. There is no one more honourable or patriotic than Dangote. He has proven this through his actions, not just words. This isn’t about what someone might tell you; we have witnessed the enormous investments he has made in this country.”
The NBA urged the government to create a supportive environment for domestic refining to help Nigeria transition from being a net importer of petroleum products to a net exporter.
Maikyau stressed that full government backing would help eliminate fuel shortages and improve the economy.
Vice Chairman of the Epe Branch of the NBA, Ivo Takor, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the potential benefits of the refinery, including job creation, boosting foreign exchange, and reducing government spending on fuel subsidies.
“The refinery is something every Nigerian should be proud of. It is a project that will move Nigeria away from its long-standing issue of fuel importation, which comes with its own set of problems. Currently, we are dealing with fuel scarcity and long queues. I believe that once this refinery is fully operational, these challenges will be resolved.
“Additionally, the refinery has the capacity to export some of its products, bringing foreign exchange into the economy. It will also reduce the government’s expenditure on subsidies, allowing funds to be redirected towards improving infrastructure, education, and the health sector. Since its construction, many jobs have been created, and further job creation will follow when it becomes fully operational,” he said.
