Tinubu urged to intervene in Dangote–Oil Unions dispute

The Yoruba Council Worldwide, in partnership with the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and allied civil society organisations, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently in the ongoing dispute between Dangote Refinery and major oil unions, including PENGASSAN, NUPENG, IPMAN, and DAPPMAN. In a statement signed by the Council’s President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, […]

The Yoruba Council Worldwide, in partnership with the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and allied civil society organisations, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently in the ongoing dispute between Dangote Refinery and major oil unions, including PENGASSAN, NUPENG, IPMAN, and DAPPMAN.

In a statement signed by the Council’s President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, the groups said the rift, if unresolved, could jeopardize Nigeria’s efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

They urged the Federal Government to suspend the issuance of petroleum importation licences, saying the practice threatens the country’s energy independence.

While commending President Tinubu for his “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the “Nigeria First Policy,” the coalition expressed concern that continued importation of petroleum products could undermine local refining capacity.

The statement also urged the President to direct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of oil unions, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders in the petroleum sector to ensure transparency and accountability.

As part of proposed long-term reforms, the Yoruba Council Worldwide and its partners recommended that the government develop a “Crude Exploration Nationalisation Policy Synergy Scheme” to enhance crude supply to local refineries—particularly Dangote Refinery, which has an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

They also called for measures to protect indigenous refining investments, including higher tariffs or restrictions on imported petroleum products, in line with global best practices.

The groups further announced plans to hold a “National Day of Solidarity Rally” on November 12, 2025, at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, to show support for local refining and economic stability. Participants are expected to wear white and jeans as symbols of peace and unity.

The Yoruba Council Worldwide reaffirmed its commitment to national development and expressed optimism that the Tinubu administration would resolve the dispute in a way that safeguards Nigeria’s economic and energy interests.