The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised concern over what it described as a calculated plot by entrenched interests to cripple the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

It warned that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and investment reputation.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T.A. Muhammad-Baba, the northern socio-political group expressed concern over Refinery’s challenges, including regulatory interference, crude oil disruptions and labour union disputes.

According to the Forum, the refinery, reputed as “Nigeria’s largest and most modern indigenous crude oil processing outfit”, has been subjected to “an unrelenting onslaught” since its inception.

“Evidentially, the challenges are the handiworks of entrenched subterranean interests or the proverbial cabals, bent on maintaining an asphyxiating hold on the oil sector and the national economy,” the ACF declared.

The Forum alleged that some vested interests are uncomfortable with the refinery’s potential to reform Nigeria’s petroleum products supply chain, which for decades has been mired in controversies, subsidy rackets, and inefficiencies.

“From conception, implementation and commissioning, the Dangote Refinery has faced all sorts of obstacles, confident that its success would change the sordid narrative about petroleum supply long dominated by sharp practices and inefficiencies,” the statement noted.

The ACF further condemned the alleged pressure on Dangote Refinery workers to join PENGASSAN, describing it as coercive and unconstitutional.

“What is questionable has been the forceful nature of demand for workers at the Dangote Refinery to join PENGASSAN. The constitutional provision does not confer automatic membership on anyone; it is an individual’s right to accept or reject membership,” it stressed.

Backing Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s legal action to protect the refinery from industrial disruption, the Forum expressed dismay that PENGASSAN had allegedly refused to obey a subsisting court order restraining it from interfering with operations at the facility.

“It should be concerning to all law-abiding citizens that PENGASSAN refuses to comply with a subsisting court order against any disruption to the Refinery’s operations,” the Forum stated.

The ACF aligned itself with calls by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who both advised that workers should allow the refinery to stabilize before pursuing unionization.

“ACF believes that a prime consideration for the workers should at this time be ensuring that the Refinery is fully functional as a workplace before workers can unionize,” it added.

The Forum warned that attempts to destabilize the multi-billion-dollar refinery could discourage both domestic and international investors and send negative signals about Nigeria’s business climate.

“Putting down the Dangote Petroleum complex is a potent disincentive to domestic and international investors because it sends wrong signals to investors,” the statement read.

Describing the Dangote Refinery as a “strategic national asset”, ACF urged the Federal Government to protect it from what it termed “internal and external sabotage.”

It recommended that the refinery be listed in a National Register of Strategic Assets, ensuring it enjoys special protection under national security provisions.

The Forum also called for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to identify and sanction individuals or groups behind recurring industrial actions that paralyze vital industries.

“We call for a commission of enquiry, with judicial powers, to unearth the brains behind incessant strikes by employees of vital national and private institutions, so that strikes do not result in acts of sabotage,” the statement said.

ACF further urged the Federal Government to take firm measures — without violating labour rights — to prevent any union from undermining the country’s economic stability through unnecessary industrial actions.

“Nigeria’s labour unions ought to be wary of the real international conspiracy and related machinations aimed at sabotaging Nigeria’s and Africa’s quests for indigenous industrial development,” it cautioned.

While welcoming ongoing government negotiations to resolve the impasse between the refinery and labour unions, ACF expressed hope that the truce reached would be permanent.

“The Dangote Refinery must not be allowed to fail. Protecting such a facility is not just about one businessman; it is about defending Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and future,” the Forum emphasized. (Daily Trust)