The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba L’Agbaye) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately halt the issuance of petroleum import licences, citing concerns over efforts to sabotage the Dangote Refinery and undermine Nigeria’s energy independence. In a petition dated November 3, 2025, the council warned that continuing import licences threatens national energy security.
The petition, signed by the council’s President, Oladotun Hassan, and backed by groups including the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC), accused key oil sector players of corruption and blackmail against Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man. The group emphasized that these activities could impede Nigeria’s drive toward self-sufficient fuel production.
Specifically, the council accused leaders of oil unions, including Festus Osifo of PENGASSAN and NUPENG, Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN Secretary, and Chinedu Ukadike of IPMAN, of colluding with oil cabals and regulatory officials to destabilize the Dangote Refinery. They demanded a forensic investigation to uncover alleged financial improprieties and hold responsible parties accountable.
In its petition, the Yoruba Council recommended implementing a “crude exploration nationalisation policy synergy scheme” to secure crude supply for local refineries. It also proposed higher trade tariffs or a complete ban on imported petroleum products, citing similar U.S. protectionist policies, to support indigenous investors and ensure energy stability.
The council praised Dangote’s recent N2 trillion investment in 10,000 new tanker trucks for free nationwide fuel distribution, describing it as “patriotic and heartwarming.” They announced a “Grand Solidarity and Thank You Rally” for Dangote and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on November 12, 2025, at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, encouraging participants to wear white and jeans as a symbol of peace and unity.
source: The Guardian