The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has described the Dangote Refinery as a game-changing force in the nation’s fuel supply chain, commending its role in easing pump prices and boosting employment.
During a tour of the refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, the Lagos State chapter chairperson of the NLC, Comrade Funmi Sessi, praised the scale and strategic impact of Dangote Group’s investments, calling the facility a “transformative national asset” capable of closing supply gaps and strengthening the economy.
Sessi noted that Nigerians endured sharp petrol price increases following the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidies, but stressed that the refinery’s entry into the market had brought much-needed stability and relief. She credited the recent drop in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other refined products to the refinery’s operations, describing it as “a decisive example of private sector leadership.”
The union called on the Federal Government to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in naira rather than dollars, arguing that compelling the company to pay in foreign currency or resort to imports could threaten the sustainability of lower prices.
“This country has crude oil in abundance, so why is Dangote still made to import crude or pay for it in hard currency?” Sessi asked, insisting that transactions in naira would significantly reduce operational costs and keep pump prices affordable.
The NLC also commended the production of Euro-5 compliant petrol with low sulphur content, saying it meets global environmental benchmarks and enhances Nigeria’s standing in the international petroleum market.
Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, said the group’s deployment of CNG-powered trucks is designed to reduce transportation costs, a key component in fuel pricing. He explained that this measure will enhance distribution efficiency while accommodating existing operators in the haulage sector.
Edwin remarked that, beyond lowering prices, the refinery’s presence would inject competition into the industry, similar to the group’s earlier influence in cement and sugar, which spurred major investments by players such as BUA, Lafarge and Mangal.
With a daily refining capacity of 650,000 barrels, Edwin said, the facility can satisfy domestic fuel demand and also supply markets across West Africa. It has also become a training hub for Nigerian engineers, scientists and technicians, equipping many with skills that have opened international opportunities.
He assured labour leaders of Dangote Group’s commitment to human capital development, staff welfare and economic growth, and commended Aliko Dangote’s determination to demonstrate that Nigeria can refine its products to world-class standards and compete globally when state-owned refineries falter.
