By HUSSAINA YAKUBU

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has voiced its concern over the ongoing national and international controversies surrounding the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Industrial Free Zone Enterprise (DPRPI).

This is contained in a statement by Prof. Tanko Muhammad-Baba, ACFs National Publicity Secretary, issued on Monday in Kaduna

The forum highlighted that Dangote, a prominent Nigerian brand recognised globally, has made significant contributions to the economy by providing products, services, and employment opportunities in Nigeria and beyond.

ACF said that the DPRPI, located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, is a world-class, highly automated facility that produces various petroleum products and chemical fertilizers for both domestic and international markets.

According to Muhammad-Baba, given the scale and impact of the refinery, the ACF was not surprised that it has become a target of envy, controversy, and even sabotage from competing interests.

In response to the ongoing criticisms, a delegation from the ACF visited the DPRPI complex on July 30, 2024, to gain firsthand knowledge of the facility.

The delegation was impressed by the refinerys advanced quality testing and control laboratories.

They are equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities that meet and surpass global industry standards, including those set by US and European regulators.

Following the visit, the ACF declared that the DPRPI should be a source of national pride, rather than the subject of negative press and misinformation.

The forum commended Aliko Dangote, the visionary entrepreneur behind the refinery, for his courageous efforts to industrialize Nigeria.

The ACF condemned the attempts by some oil-related public and business entities, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), to undermine the DPRPI through misinformation.

ACF also expressed concern over the international efforts to de-market the refinery, viewing it as an attempt by global oil interests to challenge a successful Nigerian enterprise led by an African.

The forum further expressed its support for the ongoing investigations by the National Assembly to address the claims and counterclaims surrounding the DPRPI.

ACF also emphasised the need for a fair and transparent investigation to resolve the controversy and ensure the refinerys economic benefits for Nigeria.

The forum welcomed President Bola Tinubus directive for the NNPCL to supply crude oil to the DPRPI and other refining entities, describing it as a commendable decision that demonstrates foresight and good judgment.

The forum also called on other entrepreneurs and investors to follow the example set by the DPRPI initiative.

It urged public regulatory agencies to support the aspirations of indigenous entrepreneurs seeking to invest in Nigerias industrial development.

Given the apparent international dimension to the efforts to undermine the DPRPI, the ACF called on the Nigerian government and other African nations to deploy diplomatic influence and policy resources to resist attempts to deny their right to industrialise and develop. (NAN)