The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the full implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to supply crude oil to the Dangote refinery and modular refineries in Nigeria.
The NBA praised the establishment of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a patriotic effort that could end the country’s persistent fuel shortages.
However, the association expressed disappointment over the resistance faced by the refinery from fuel importers, which has hindered Nigeria’s potential as a leading crude oil producer.
NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, after visiting the refinery, lauded Aliko Dangote’s commitment to the project despite opposition.
He urged the Federal Government to create a supportive environment for the refinery, emphasizing that its success could transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products and alleviate the hardships caused by fuel scarcity.
Maikyau criticized the lack of support for the refinery, calling it disgraceful that Nigeria still faces fuel shortages despite having such a facility.
Other NBA leaders echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential economic benefits of the refinery, such as job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and reduced government spending on subsidies.
They also noted the challenges posed by entrenched interests opposed to the refinery’s full operation.
The NBA stressed the importance of strict monitoring to ensure compliance with the president’s directive, warning that withholding crude oil from the refinery would be an act of sabotage against the nation.