The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a landmark national project capable of bridging Nigeria’s fuel supply gap, creating jobs, and restoring confidence in the nation’s industrial capacity.

Speaking during a tour of the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Comrade Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the NLC Lagos State chapter, praised the scale and impact of the Dangote Group’s investments, calling them “massive, impressive, and purposeful.”

Refinery Helps Stabilise Fuel Prices

The NLC noted that after the Federal Government removed petrol subsidies, fuel prices spiked sharply. However, the refinery’s entry into the market helped to stabilise PMS prices and ease the burden on Nigerians.

“It wasn’t until Dangote came in that we saw some relief,” Sessi said. “His intervention significantly reduced fuel prices, showing true private sector leadership.”

Call for Crude Sales in Naira

The Union urged the Federal Government to sell crude oil to the refinery in naira instead of dollars to lower operational costs and make fuel more affordable.

“Nigeria has crude in abundance, so why make Dangote import or pay in hard currency? Selling in naira will cut costs and support local refining,” the NLC argued.

World-Class Standards and Regional Reach

With a daily capacity of 650,000 barrels, the refinery can meet both domestic and West African fuel needs. It produces Euro 5-compliant fuel with reduced sulphur content, aligning with international environmental standards.

“When government refineries failed, Aliko Dangote delivered. This is Nigerian excellence at global standards,” Sessi added.

Fertiliser Production and Food Security

The NLC also praised the Dangote Fertiliser plant, already exporting to international markets, and urged government collaboration to improve food security and reduce dependence on imported farm inputs.

4,000 CNG Trucks to Cut Distribution Costs

Devakumar Edwin, Dangote Industries’ VP for Oil and Gas, announced plans to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to distribute refined products nationwide, cutting logistics costs and pump prices.

He emphasised that the trucks will be environmentally friendly and part of a strategy to pass on the benefits of domestic refining to consumers.

Driving Industrial Growth

Edwin noted that Dangote’s success in cement and sugar spurred competition in those sectors, and predicted the refinery would inspire more private refining projects in Nigeria.

He highlighted the company’s investment in training Nigerian engineers, scientists, and technicians, many of whom now work internationally, and reaffirmed Aliko Dangote’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress.