In a strongly worded statement that underscores the growing tension between organised labour and one of Nigeria’s most strategic industrial projects, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has warned the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) against any attempt to sabotage the operations of the Dangote Refinery.
The NANS warns NUPENG intervention comes amid weeks of friction between NUPENG, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and the Dangote Group over labour rights and operational disputes. At the centre of the controversy is the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, widely regarded as a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s fuel supply and energy security
NANS Warns NUPENG Against Sabotage of Dangote Refinery
Speaking on Friday in Abuja, NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, declared that the refinery project represents the “collective destiny of over 200 million Nigerians” and must not be derailed by industrial unrest or vested interests.
“With Nigeria’s daily consumption of petrol averaging 550,000 barrels, the Dangote Refinery has the capacity to not only make the country fuel self-sufficient but also position us for export,” Oladoja said.
“Any attempt by NUPENG or any other group to undermine this project will be met with stiff resistance from Nigerian students.”
He described the refinery as a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for economic survival, noting that decades of over-reliance on imported petroleum products had drained the country’s foreign reserves and weakened its industrial base.
Oladoja praised Aliko Dangote for what he termed “unmatched patriotism,” stressing that the billionaire industrialist could have chosen to site such a massive project abroad but instead invested heavily in Nigeria.
According to him, the refinery is more than an industrial installation—it is a national asset with long-term implications for sovereignty, job creation, and sustainable growth.
“This is not just about fuel production,” the NANS president explained. “It is about survival, sovereignty, and the dignity of our nation. NANS is watching, and we will not allow vested interests to mortgage our future.”
He further argued that the refinery’s impact would extend beyond cheaper fuel, highlighting its potential to stimulate allied industries, reduce unemployment, and enhance Nigeria’s bargaining power in global energy markets.
The student body’s warning comes against the backdrop of mounting industrial disagreements between NUPENG and the Dangote Group.
On September 9, 2025, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) mediated by the federal government, affirming workers’ rights to unionise.
However, within 48 hours, NUPENG accused the Dangote management of violating the agreement by instructing truck drivers to remove union stickers before loading products.
NUPENG described the alleged action as intimidation and bad faith, while the Dangote Group dismissed the claims as “cheap blackmail.”
The dispute has since escalated into a war of words, raising fears that refinery operations could be disrupted if the impasse is not resolved.
Oladoja warned that NANS would mobilise its vast membership base across campuses nationwide to resist any move by NUPENG or its allies that could compromise refinery operations.
“We will not fold our arms while a handful of individuals gamble with our collective survival,” he stated.
In his statement, Oladoja urged stakeholders in the downstream sector, particularly the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and NUPENG, to prioritise national interest above personal or organisational gain.
“This refinery is a battle for the survival of our economy. We expect every stakeholder to put Nigeria first,” he stressed.
Observers note that NANS’ intervention adds a new layer of pressure on NUPENG, which has traditionally been one of the most powerful labour unions in Nigeria.
With the refinery seen as a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s industrialisation agenda, analysts believe the government is unlikely to tolerate prolonged disruptions.
For many Nigerians, the Dangote Refinery symbolises hope after years of scarcity, subsidy controversies, and reliance on imported fuel despite being Africa’s top crude oil producer.
Experts say that if fully operational, the facility could save the country billions of dollars in foreign exchange annually and stabilise fuel prices.
NANS, through its warning to NUPENG, has positioned itself as a defender of the project, reflecting broader public sentiment that the refinery should be shielded from political or industrial sabotage.
As the refinery continues its phased operations, attention will be on whether NUPENG and Dangote can resolve their differences without further confrontation.
For now, the message from Nigeria’s student community is clear: any sabotage of the refinery will be viewed as sabotage against the future of the country.
The standoff between NUPENG and Dangote underscores the delicate balance between protecting workers’ rights and safeguarding national interests.
However, NANS’ intervention signals that civil society is watching closely and will not hesitate to resist actions deemed detrimental to Nigeria’s economic survival.
In the words of Oladoja: “This is about survival, sovereignty, and dignity. We will not allow vested interests to mortgage our future.”
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